There are lots of PBA players who weren't called up but could probably get floor time with Gilas.
Let it be known: Gilas Pilipinas is leaving no stones unturned in its preparations for the FIBA World Cup—so much that it is willing to play games against a select team made up of the PBA’s best but are not currently part of the Gilas pool.
That possibility was broached to Gilas coach Chot Reyes by veteran PBA analyst Quinito Henson, who had the veteran tactician as his lone special guest on his Playitright TV podcast on Monday. But, apparently, Reyes and the rest of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas brass already had the same thing in mind weeks ago.
“Before leaving for Europe, we already were toying with the idea of putting up a select team,” Reyes told Henson, who had also suggested PBA On Tour standouts to make up the PBA select squad. “Remember, with US basketball they also did that. They have a select team that normally scrimmages against the regular team. That’s also part of our plan.”
Reyes says the plan is to have Gilas, which is also facing roster questions after injuries and schedule availability, playing as many hard-fought games as the schedule permits.
“If that’s possible, we’d certainly welcome it because we need to continue playing competitive games against serious and tough competition. So, having a select team playing against the current team is certainly an option,” added Reyes.
It would be a good option to say the least. Even sans the Gilas players in the pool, there figures to be enough players to form a very competitive PBA select team. Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, and James Laput of the Magnolia Hotshots coming to mind, along with NorthPort Batang Pier gunner Arvin Tolentino, Converge FiberXers big man Ryan Arana, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel sniper Jeremiah Gray, and Terrafirma Dyip playmaker Juami Tiongson.
Whether such a matchup will materialize remains a wait-and-see.
(GM)