Gilas to train in Lithuania

FOLLOWING the gold medal redemption campaign at the Southeast Asian Games, Gilas Pilipinas is now focusing all its attention and effort in preparing for the FIBA World Cup, which the Philippines will be co-hosting starting this August.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) deputy director Butch Antonio said the Philippine men’s basketball training camp in Lithuania is a sure thing although details will still be discussed with national coach Chot Reyes in the coming days.

“That’s where we are headed, in Lithuania, maybe last week of June but we will still sit down and discuss things with coach Chot,” Antonio told The Manila Times on Thursday.

Gilas is coming off a triumphant gold medal victory over host Cambodia, 80-69, on Tuesday, with naturalized player Justin Brownlee leading the way.

The players, however, are taking a break for the remainder of the month before regrouping on June 1 to start training for the FIBA World Cup at the Meralco gym.

Antonio said the SBP is trying to arrange scrimmage games with some European teams in Lithuania.

He also said that NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson joining Gilas Pilipinas in Lithuania is still being discussed.

The Philippines is bracketed with world No. 10 Italy, Dominican Republic and Angola in Group A in the FIBA World Cup.