Terrence Romeo, others still in Gilas Pilipinas’ 2023 FIBA World Cup radar

As Gilas Pilipinas nears the final stage of preparation for the Fiba Basketball World Cup, coach Chot Reyes stated that the final roster is yet to be determined.

Despite having a pool of players for the upcoming Asian qualifiers, the national team is still evaluating other options for the final line-up.

Terrence Romeo of San Miguel remains a strong contender for the final roster of Gilas Pilipinas for the Fiba Basketball World Cup, according to Coach Chot Reyes. Despite not being included in the pool for the recent Asian qualifiers, Reyes emphasized Romeo’s proven track record in previous stints with the national team.

Reyes, in an interview with Noli Eala’s Power and Play program aired on Saturday, January 28, said, “There are certainly other names that we have been considering, other names we are looking at.” said Reyes in an interview with Noli Eala on his Power and Play program on Saturday.

Former Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Terrence Romeo is among other ex-national team members being considered for the final roster for the FIBA 2023 World Cup. FIBA PHOTO

“I know maraming ingay (I know there is a lot of noise) about Terrence Romeo and I told Terrence myself, you are always part of the consideration. But we already know what Terrence can give. Let’s see what others can give. And then, we will make a decision come World Cup time,” Reyes said.

He said previous members of the Gilas Pilipinas squad are also being considered, adding that several other talented players in the league, including Isaac Go who is currently injured, as well as Matt Nieto and Kevin Alas.

He hopes that people understand that not everyone can be included in the pool, and difficult decisions have to be made.

Reyes said Gilas decided to limit the members of the pool, in the meantime, due to the PBA schedule.

“May realities. Schedules, playing elsewhere, the PBA team as well. So as not to disrupt the PBA too much, we are keeping the players just among several teams for now before we open it up.

But at least, I hope nakikita ng mga kababayan natin na we are considering, we are constantly evaluating, assessing (There are realities. Schedules, playing elsewhere, the PBA team as well. So as not to disrupt the PBA too much, we are keeping the players just among several teams for now before we open it up. But at least, I hope our countrymen see that we are considering, we are constantly evaluating, assessing).

People don’t know that I talk to the players all the time. I constantly talk to players,” Reyes said.

Reyes underscored that no player is guaranteed a place on the World Cup roster, and urged those hoping to make the team to put in their best efforts in the upcoming months.

From the start, he said that they made it clear to everyone, including the players, that there’s no such thing as a guaranteed slot.

Gilas Pilipinas coach underscores that there are no guaranteed slots for any players, whether current or former members of the national team or promising players from the country’s professional and amateur leagues. FIBA PHOTO

Basketball fans, according to him, are savvy and recognize that some may have an edge, but in reality, there are no automatic spots.

All players must continuously strive to secure their place.

Reyes also said, “If you are in the pool, fight for your place. If you are not in the pool, by the way, you are playing, wherever you are, whether you are in Japan, you are in the PBA, you are in college, make a case for yourself and you will be considered.”

With the FIBA Basketball World Cup fast approaching, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow among the Gilas Pilipinas team and its fans.

Gilas will host the Lebanon national team on February 24 and the Jordan national squad on February 27 at the Philippine Arena.