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[av_heading heading=’Calvin Abueva joins Gilas in Melbourne’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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February 20, 2018
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MANILA – Calvin Abueva became a surprise addition to the 14-man Gilas Pilipinas team that will face Australia in a 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifier match on Thursday.
Among those who flew to Melbourne were Kiefer Ravena, Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Kevin Alas, Jiovani Jalalon, Matthew Wright, Allein Maliksi, Gabe Norwood, and Carl Bryan Cruz.
Another surprise addition to the squad that departed yesterday was Abu Tratter.
Abueva was earlier axed for not attending the early trainings of the national team.
Jeth Troy Rosario, who had a bad fall while playing for TNT KaTropa in the PBA Philippine Cup, and Rey Mark Belo, who has yet to fully heal from an injury, were barred from joining.
From the 14-man lineup, Gilas head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes will pick on Wednesday morning 12 players who will suit up for the showdown against the towering Aussies.
Australia remains a tough team despite the absence of NBA-based players. It has 6-foot-11 Matt Hodgson, 6-foot-10 Daniel Kickert, 6-foot-6 Cameron Gliddon, 6-foot-5 Mitch Creek, and 6-foot-1 Jason Cadee.
Gilas has so far won its first two matches in the qualification round. After the Australia game, the Philippine team will fly back to the country to play host to Japan on Feb. 25./PN
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