Gilas Pilipinas jumpstarted its training camp for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Monday.
The players whose teams are already eliminated in the ongoing 2018 PBA Governors' Cup were present on the first day of training at the Meralco Gym.
In attendance were Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, Matthew Wright, Poy Erram, Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, as well as San Miguel Beer's core of June Mar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot.
Gilas cadets Kai Sotto and Ricci Rivero, who were part of the 20-man pool recently announced, were also in attendance.
Ginebra players Greg Slaughter, LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, and Scottie Thompson, along with Magnolia's Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang, missed the practice since Game 2 of the semifinals series between the Kings and Hotshots coincided with the training.
Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger were also absent.
"We're just trying to get them together for the first time at least for this window and there are new names. So also, we know that there are PBA games still going on so it's very important that we make use of every opportunity just to bring them together, get them to gain some chemistry and cohesion early," said national team head coach Yeng Guiao.
"That's our objective. PBA is suspending their league starting I think on the 18th so after that, we will go full speed ahead. So right now, we make use of the time that we have just to orient them."
Guiao said since the semifinals is ongoing, the team will have light practices this week.
"Yes, for the first two or three days our practice will be light just to shake things off," he said.