Gilas Pilipinas def Iran, 76-65 [WUS International Basketball Tournament | Aug. 3, 2023]

Gilas Pilipinas held its first practice in China Wednesday as it warms up for the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament.

The 14-man national team arrived in the province of Guandong Tuesday afternoon, and after a brief overnight rest, buckled down to work right away for the August 2-7 tournament that also features the national team of Iran and Senegal.

The Senegalese and Iranians, who will suit up some of their rising young players, face each other to open hostilities on opening day at the Heyuan Sport Gymnasium.

Gilas plays its first game against Iran on Thursday and then takes on Senegal the following day at the Jiangman En Ping Sports gymnasium.

The Filipinos however, won’t be having key players Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto, Scottie Thompson, and naturalized players Justin Brownlee, and Ange Kouame around as they play their final overseas training camp prior to the start of the FIBA World Cup on August 25.

The national team seeing action in the China pocket tournament is composed of PBA six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos, Chris Newsome, Kiefer Ravena, Rhenz Abando, Roger Pogoy, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Thirdy Ravena, AJ Edu, Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram and Rhenz Abando.

Erram however, will be evaluated further if he could play as he currently has some issue on his knee.