Gilas Pilipinas pool for 2023 FIBA World Cup down to 20 as Carl Tamayo begs off

Former UP star Carl Tamayo has begged off from inclusion in the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s pool for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup which will be hosted by the country along with Japan and Indonesia on August 25 to September 10.

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes revealed that Tamayo has already informed the team of his current situation.

“Today we got word that Carl is going to beg off because he does not think he is going to be healthy to go through the entire process,” said Reyes shortly after the national squad’s Monday night practice.

“And we respect that. That’s one person less,” he added.

Without Tamayo who is coming off his first professional stint with newly crowned champs Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B.League, the Gilas pool has been reduced to 20.

Still in the pool are Jordan Clarkson, Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, RR Pogoy, JP Erram, Calvin Oftana, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Dwight Ramos, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading and Ray Parks.

Reyes noted that while Tamayo’s knee injury isn’t that serious, he’ll need to strengthen it which is a process that would require weeks.

“His MRI did not show any significant injury, but he needs to get some work done on his knee. He needs to get some [platelet-rich plasma therapy] next week and that’s going to take another week to be strong enough to work out,” stressed Reyes.

“By that time comes it would be too late for Lithuania. So he’s basically informed our trainer Dexter (Aseron) that he’s not going to make the trip. So we’re planning for that scenario.”

The nationals are scheduled to leave for the European country on July 1 as part of their build-up.

Of the 20, only 10 attended the team’s Monday night practice – Fajardo, Aguilar, Edu, the Ravena brothers, Newsome, Erram, Abando, Perez and Kouame.

The team will continue to train at the Meralco gym before heading to the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna on June 17.