VIGAN, Ilocos Sur – Two high school basketball players from Western Visayas might find themselves in Batang Gilas’ squad for the FIBA U-17 World Cup next year.
Paolo Villariza and Reynold Tupas are currently playing for Region 6 in the 61st Palarong Pambansa.
WV secondary boys basketball head coach Vincent Conlu told Panay News Gilas called him to invite the two after their Palaro campaign.
“(Batang Gilas) assistant coach MC (Abolucion) has called me kung pwede raw makita sina (Villariza and Tupas) na mag-practice after the Palaro for the U-17 team,” Conlu said.
“Of course, malaking bagay iyon para sa confidence ng two players. Their participation there will also help further develop their skills,” added the Hua Siong College of Iloilo mentor.
Villariza is from Iloilo City while Tupas traces his roots from Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Batang Gilas is currently forming its training pool after the team qualified to the FIBA U-17 World Cup next year when it finished fourth in the FIBA U-16 Asian Cup in China recently.
The Philippine youth caging team under head coach Mike Oliver is expected to have a tough time in the World Cup after being bracketed with powerhouse teams Argentina, Croatia and France./PN
FIBA U-17 World Cup is this year not next year..