Bacolodnon player added

to Gilas Pilipinas pool

Bacolodnon center Justin Chua of the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters was recently called up to replace Japeth Aguilar in the pool for the Philippine men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, ahead of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. The first qualifying round, where they face Thailand, begins on February 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“I am really excited kasi tagal ko na pangarap maglaro talaga for Gilas e (I am really excited since it’s been my dream for a long time to place for Gilas),” the Negrense player said. “Pagpasok ko sa training siyempre nahihiya ako kasi ako ‘yung bago e, nag-start na ata sila—pangatlong practice na nila (When I got to training, of course, I was shy since I was new and they already began training—it was their third practice session).”
“I’m really happy to help, for me, it’s another experience,” he added. “I’ll just learn from what they’re teaching.”
Meanwhile, Gilas interim coach Mark Dickel said his ideal players have “a lot of energy” and “a lot of toughness.”
“Justin certainly fits that,” he added./ASC, WDJ