For safety reasons, Jones Cup organizers in Taiwan decide not to include Philippine hoop squad

The preparations of the Gilas Pilipinas continue to hit rough waters as it was recently informed that it won’t be invited to the annual Jones Cup tournament in Taiwan, where the Nationals are the defending champions.

According to reports, with relations between the Philippines and Taiwan continuing to be tense, the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA), the organizers of the tournament, deemed it would be best not to have the Gilas come in to defend their title, citing the safety of not just the squad but also of its supporters as well.

The news was met with great trepidation by head coach Chot Reyes, who saw the Jones Cup as the final stepping stone in their preparations for the upcoming Fiba Asia Championship, which will be hosted by the Philippines on Aug. 1 to 11.

The development adds to a growing list of problems for the Gilas squad.

Injuries have already decimated the pool with Kelly Williams and Jared Dillinger already out of it because of various ailments. In addition, Ryan Reyes and Sonny Thoss will not be joining the team on their training camp in Lithuania because of different injuries.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud remained steadfast in dishing out support and encouragement for the Gilas program in the face of this new trial.

“Unfortunate as it is, we need to move forward. We need to stay strong.”