THE INCLUSION of former Gilas Pilipinas standout Rhenz Abando and Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero is an exciting development for fans, though the exact timeline of their training camp debut remains uncertain for now.
During Monday’s initial session at the Upper Deck Sports Center in Ortigas, Gilas head coach Tim Cone spoke about the possibility of Abando and Lucero suiting up for the national team in the near future.
Still, both players have not yet confirmed when they’ll report to training, as they remain occupied with other obligations. Abando is with Strong Group Athletics for the William Jones Cup, while Lucero is currently in the U.S.
Racing the Clock
They were brought in to expand Cone’s options in case injuries hit the current lineup, especially since many of the players set to compete in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup are still playing in the ongoing PBA playoffs.
Scheduled from August 5 to 17, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy offered clarification during the National Sports Associations’ (NSA) general assembly with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
“Ang storya nun, you submit a long list to FIBA, and from there ka pipili ng 12 mo,” Dy told a media at the event held in the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
“Tinanong ko si Coach Tim kung sure ba siya na yung 12 lang ilalagay mo, paano kung may ma-injure? So he started giving names, kaya lumabas ‘yung mga pangalan nun,” she went on to say.
In the meantime, Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos were also included in the pool, both showing up at the initial practice but seeing limited action on the court. Still, it remains uncertain when Abando and Lucero will be available.
“Ang expectation lang ni Coach Tim is on the 15th, mas marami nang makakasama sa practice,” Dy said.
It’s not just Lucero’s availability that’s uncertain—his eligibility to play as a local is still pending FIBA’s decision. “Si Lucero kasi, our problem is he’s still in the US,” Dy explained.
“We still really haven’t seen his documents, so we will figure it out when he gets back. Ang hawak ko ngayon is ‘yung current [passport], hindi pa niya nabibigay ‘yung passport before turning 16, if he does have.”
“But again, we’re still looking at the 12. He’s part of the pool now, the extended roster, so hopefully, eligible siya. But if not, there’s nothing we can do about it,” added Dy.
Gilas’ training camp for the Asia Cup will officially begin after the conclusion of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, which is expected to end by July 27 at the latest. This leaves the team with just around seven to nine days to prepare.
