MANILA – Ilonggo guard Gerry Abadiano is set to spearhead Batang Gilas Pilipinas in the 2019 Fiba Under-19 World Cup starting tonight at the Heraklion Indoor Sports Arena in Heraklion, Greece.
Representing the country in various tournaments last year, the Iloilo City-native Abadiano is expected to provide stability in the national youth team against tough opponents.
“Ine-expect namin na mas malalaki at mas mabibilis ang kalaban, pero gawin lang namin ang role namin at ibigay lang namin ‘yung best namin every time,” said the former St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets standout.
Aside from Abadiano, also present in
the guard-heavy Philippine roster were Terrence Fortea, Rome-based playmaker
Dalph Panopio, Joshua Ramirez, James Spencer, Xyrus Torres, Rhayaan Amsali,
Dave Ildefonso, and Migs Oczon.
Also in the team to be mentored by Ateneo Blue Eagles assistant coach Sandy
Arespacochaga were frontline Kai Sotto, Alfred John Edu, Bismarck Lina, Geo
Chiu, and Carl Tamayo.
The Batang Gilas will kick off their campaign tonight against host Greece before taking on Argentina on Sunday (June 30) and Argentina on July 2.
“Our opponents are stronger. It would require more from us. We’re
demanding more from us. But it’s gonna be individual. It’s gonna take a whole
team,” Arespacochaga said. “We will not go to Greece just to participate. Our
goal is to try to win.”/PN
