MANILA – Calvin Abueva and Jason Perkins’ Gilas Pilipinas stint for the upcoming Asian Games is still up for approval by the organizers, according to interim head coach Tim Cone.
Cone said that the two PBA forwards are not part of the initial 60-man list that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas submitted to the Asian Games Organizing Committee last month.
The winningest PBA coach said that they are hoping that the organizers will allow Abueva and Perkins as injury replacements to Jamie Malonzo and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
“We’re still uncertain about Perkins and Calvin Abueva. They are assured a spot on the team if they are allowed to join,” Cone said after Gilas’ three-hour practice last Monday.
“They were not on the original list of 60 that we submitted. Due to Jamie’s and Brandon’s injuries, we’re trying to request a ruling that would allow us to replace them with Calvin and Perk,” he added.
Cone, however, said he has an alternative in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings guard Stanley Pringle if ever Abueva and Perkins are not given the green light to play for Gilas in Asiad.
“Stanley is here as an alternate, as the 13th man. He’s an alternate in case anything happens. If Calvin and Perk can’t make it, he’ll be one of the players we put in the lineup in case of injuries,” Cone said.
“He’s here because he knows the system and everything. It was a logical choice for us, and he’s willing to be here with the understanding that he may not make the top 12. At this point, he’s an alternate,” he added.
Cone also clarified earlier reports on TNT Tropang Giga guard Roger Pogoy, who is still part of the team and will join the training if he recovers from his illness.
“Roger is the one who’s truly here, but he has a medical issue, so we hope it clears up. He’s supposed to be part of the Final 12,” the Ginebra coach said./PN
