MANILA – An Ilonggo player from the National University Bullpups is part of the 17-man Batang Gilas pool that will compete in the FIBA U-17 World Cup from June 30 to July 8 in Rosario, Argentina.
Gerry Abadiano vowed to do his best to crack into the 12-man lineup that will battle powerhouse teams Argentina, Croatia and France.
“Sobrang blessed po kasi sa dami ng players na gusto at nangangarap na makuha sa national team, ako iyong isa sa nakuha nila sa (national training pool),” the former St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets player player told Panay News.
“Kaya ako ipinapakita ko na hindi sayang iyong pagpili nila sa akin, na worth it ako sa team,” Abadiano added. “Ibibigay ko iyong 100 percent ko to help the team.”
Also in the 17-man lineup are Kai Sotto, Raven Cortez, Forthsky Padrigao, RC Calimag, Terrence Fortea, Joshua Lazaro, Geo Chiu, Yukien Andrada, and Mac Guadana.
Rounding out the roster of head coach Michael Oliver are Carl Tamayo, Migs Pascual, Kean Baclaan, Bismark Lina, Jerick Bautista, King Balaga, and Rafael Go.
Batang Gilas qualified to the FIBA U-17 World Cup after a fourth-place finish in the FIBA U-16 Asian Cup held in March in China.
The Philippines will open its campaign against Croatia on June 30, against France on July 1 and against Argentina on July 3./PN
