The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
After months of uncertainty, Gilas Pilipinas is finally complete.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said NBA prospect Kai Sotto and Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson have already joined the Gilas Pilipinas with less than two weeks left before the start of the 2023 FIBA World Cup on August 25.
Panlilio provided an update on the conditions of both Sotto and Thompson during the special edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Meralco Conference Hall in Ortigas, Pasig.
With only 10 days remaining until the inauguration of the world’s biggest basketball tournament, Panlilio is confident the Chot Reyes-mentored national team can finally form a complete team.
“I was there during practice the other night (Sunday) and everybody was there, the whole 16 players. Kai was there. Scottie and JC (Jordan Clarkson) were
there,” said Panlilio, who was accompanied by SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, deputy event director Erika Dy, and joint management committee head John Lucas
Panlilio also claimed sotto is cleared by his doctors to play
“Kai also played. The doctors of Kai spoke yesterday (Monday) with.the SBP doctors, and he’s been cleared to play. So that’s good news,” added Panlilio in the same session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
“We’re looking forward to seeing him participate in tune-up matches to prepare,” added the SBP chief.
The 7-3 Sotto missed Gilas’ participation in a three-day pocket competition held in Heyuan, China, where the Filipinos showcased their prowess with an impressive 3-1 record against long-time Asian rival Iran and Senegal.
The former standout from Ateneo de Manila University experienced an earlier setback when he was unable to participate in the team’s friendly matches in Estonia and Lithuania.
Panlilio also claimed Thompson has recovered from his injury.
“Scottie is fit. It’s just a matter of getting back to the groove of playing,’ explained Panlilio,
According to Panlilio, the FIBA workforce has already touched down in the country, primed for the prelude to the World Cup.
The commencement of these preliminary events is on the horizon, slated to begin next week.
The opening salvo is a welcome dinner on Monday for delegates from different basketball federations. This serves as a precursor to the forthcoming FIBA National Congress, scheduled on August 22 and 23 at the Sofitel Hotel.
On August 23, the FIBA will hold its Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
This event will celebrate the illustrious career of Filipino basketball legend, Caloy “The Big Difference” Loyzaga, as he takes his rightful place in the annals of the sport.
Panlilio’s optimism also extends to the Local Organizing Committee, which
has been working in tandem with pertinent government agencies to construct an unparalleled hosting experience for the competing teams over the three-week period.