IT’S BACK TO ACTION for the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas national squad as it aims for a slot in the FIBA Asia Cup in the Seaba qualifying tournament, which kicks off today in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The Nationals start their bid against Singapore today. Bannering the squad will be several holdovers from the original Gilas team led by naturalized center Marcus Douthit, skipper Chris Tiu and a trio of players from the Alaska Aces, which includes another Gilas pioneer Mac Baracael. The other two players lent by the Aces to the nationals are LA Tenorio and Sonny Thoss.
The other nations competing in this tournament are Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, none of which are expected to pose a serious threat to the Gilas as they aim to qualify for the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup. The tournament used to be known as the Stankovic Cup. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio