MANILA – Gerry Abadiano is set to represent the Philippines again in an international competition for the third time.
The Ilonggo was named as part of the Batang Gilas team in the 2018 FIBA U-17 Asian Championship from Aug. 5 to 11 in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Abadiano has previously worn the country’s colors when he became part of the Batang Gilas teams that competed in the 2018 FIBA U-17 World Cup and the U-18 squad in the ASEAN School Games.
“It is an honor to represent the country in international competitions so hindi tayo magdadalawang-isip to play if we are called,” said Abadiano, a former St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets standout.
Mentored by Josh Reyes, Batang Gilas will have a towering lineup in the weeklong competition with 7-foot-1 Kai Sotto, 6-foot-10 AJ Edu, Raven Cortez, and Geo Chiu.
Completing the Batang Gilas roster are Rome-based guard Dalph Panopio, Rhayyan Amsali, Dave Ildefonso, Miguel Oczon, Bismark Lina, Xyrus Torres, and Joshua Ramirez.
Batang Gilas mainstay Carl Tamayo was supposed to be part of the lineup but he begged off last-minute as he recovers from a foot injury he incurred during the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Argentina.
“The pain on his foot causes him discomfort,” said Reyes. “After discussing it with his coaches, we thought it’s better to keep him home.”
Batang Gilas was bracketed in Group B along with China, Lebanon and United Arab Emirates. Making it to the top four will earn the national squad a ticket to the 2019 FIBA U-10 World Cup./PN
