The concerns for Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes continue to accumulate as the third window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers fast approaches. Gilas Pilipinas will take on regional rival Chinese Taipei and global powerhouse Australia.
Reyes is now concerned about Andray Blatche and Calvin Abueva getting into game shape.
Blatche, who a naturalized player for the Philippines since 2014, landed in Manila last June 9 and initially looked in better shape compared to his previous arrivals.
"[Blatche has] been working out, but he hasn't been playing games," Reyes said. "I don't think he's in game shape. Hopefully, we can fast-track him. We got him a six-minute scrimmage [on Monday]. Hopefully, we can get it up to ten minutes and build it up from there.It helps that he got here early and he's already been working out compared to before when he was injured or was playing with his Chinese team. The good thing about that though was that he was in game shape. This time, he's not."
Reyes had a similar observation on Abueva. Currently serving an indefinite suspension from the Alaska Aces, Abueva's basketball activities have been limited to once-a-week Gilas practices. And while he has been a regular attendee, it has not made up for actual games. Abueva last saw game action on May 27 during PBA All-Star Week when he had 41 points and 27 rebounds in Gilas Pilipinas' 157-141 loss to the Visayas All-Stars. He has now missed four games for the Aces.
"Calvin was also struggling in scrimmages," Reyes said. "He's not in game shape either. His timing is off and he's not as sharp as other guys. That's what not playing does to you."
Reyes, however, remains positive Gilas Pilipinas will be ready when it faces the Taiwanese at the Taipei Heping Gymnasium on June 29.
"The three practices we'll have in Taiwan will be crucial," he said. "This is a situation that we've dealt with in the past. Hopefully, we can bank on our familiarity with this condition."