By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Justin Chua of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters and CJ Perez of the Terrafirma Dyip just joined Kiefer Ravena as the only PBA players inside the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna to practice with Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.
As the PH national team prepares for the third and final window of FIBA, Gilas program director Tab Baldwin hopes to have a mix of young and professional talent as stronger opponents await them in February.
Although PBA commissioner Willie Marcial already gave his nod to lend professional players for the Gilas program, it’s still up to each player’s mother team in the league to allow them to participate.
There is no update on whether Ravena, Chua, and Perez will be joined by other Gilas veterans from the PBA but Gilas definitely received a boost with the presence of three national team staples.
“I’m blessed and happy that I was recognized again, probably because of my performance in the PBA bubble. I’ll do my best to earn a spot on the team and of course help the cadets,” Chua said.
Gilas currently sits at the number one spot in Group A with an impressive 3-0 record and will seek to defend home court this final window especially with arch-rivals South Korea having already confirmed their participation.
The boys in blue and white will only need to win one of their three games to advance to the FIBA Asia Cup.
