Daven Tamayo

When will new additions Rhenz Abando, Zav Lucero join Gilas training?

Article (news)

Romwel Anzures

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751967540393IMG_7361.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="New Gilas Pilipinas men’s pool member Rhenz Abando (#23) and Zav Lucero (#22). Photos from Strong Group Athletics and PBA Images."/>New Gilas Pilipinas men’s pool member Rhenz Abando (#23) and Zav Lucero (#22). Photos from Strong Group Athletics and PBA Images.MANILA — Rhenz Abando, Zav Lucero, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario have officially been added to the Gilas Pilipinas men’s pool for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.</div>Their addition was to give head coach Tim Cone more players to choose from for the continental tournament in case injuries arise from their present pool, especially since most of the players who will compete from August 5 to 17 are still in action in the PBA playoffs.“Ang storya nun, yun submit a long list to FIBA, and from there ka pipili ng 12 mo,” shared Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy at the sidelines of the National Sports Associations’ (NSAs) general assembly with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.“Tinanong ko si Coach Tim kung sure ba siya na yung 12 lang ilalagay mo, paano kung may ma-injure? So he started giving names, kaya lumabas yung mga pangalan nun,” she added.So far, only Abarrientos and Rosario attended the Nationals’ Monday training which started yesterday. As for Lucero and Abando, there is still no definite date, as the former is still in the US, while the latter is Jones Cup-bound with Strong Group-Pilipinas.“Ang expectation lang ni Coach Tim is on the 15th, mas marami nang makakasama sa practice,” said Dy.However, it is not only the availability of Lucero that is in question, as his eligibility to play as a local is yet to be determined by FIBA.“Si Lucero kasi, our problem is he’s still in the US,” said Dy. “We still really haven’t seen his documents, so we will figure it out when he gets back. Ang hawak ko ngayon is yung current [passport], hindi pa niya nabibigay yung passport before turning 16, if he does have.”“But again, we’re still looking at the 12. He’s part of the pool now, the extended roster, so hopefully, eligible siya. But if not, there’s nothing we can’t do about it,” added Dy.Gilas’ camp for the Asia Cup will officially start at the conclusion of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup which will, at the latest, end on July 27. RELATED VIDEO:<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ni3ZGQhI9Kw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

Rhenz Abando, Zav Lucero, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario have officially been added to the Gilas Pilipinas men’s pool for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

Rhenz Abando, Zav Lucero, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario have officially been added to the Gilas Pilipinas men’s pool for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.