Chot Reyes asks for Filipinos’ support in ‘hard’ World Cup campaign

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes has requested for support from fans as the national team enters the final stretch of preparations for the FIBA World Cup, which will be hosted by the country along with Japan and Indonesia.

The Nationals are in their final two weeks of training for the international basketball tournament, where they will compete against the best teams in the world.

“All we ask from our countrymen is to continue supporting [Gilas]. We may not agree with some of the decisions we make, but in the end we have one nationality, united by blood,” said Reyes during an interview with One PH’s “Sa Totoo Lang.”

“I know that the road has not been easy and it’s been hard. There’s a lot of things that we didn’t expect but that’s life, not just in sports. Life is like that.”

Gilas will likely announce the Final 12 roster on the eve of the World Cup. Currently, the team is practicing with a “15-man” lineup, which includes NBA player Jordan Clarkson.

The pool members are aware that not all of them will make the final cut, but they are still participating in tune-up games and pocket tournaments in the hopes of representing the nation in the quadrennial meet.

“We’re really trying to find a way but really, hats off to our players. Their commitment and dedication are extraordinary,” said the 9-time PBA champion mentor.

Clarkson is already assured of the spot reserved for naturalized players.

In the group phase, Gilas will face Angola, Italy, and the Dominican Republic, which will feature NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns.

“Now more than ever, our players really need the support of our fellow Filipinos,” added Reyes

Gilas will begin its World Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

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