Only 9 players show up for second Gilas practice, Parks declines national team offer

“Actually for today we invited Ray Parks but he declined so my understanding is he declined to be part of the pool.” – Coach Yeng Guiao (File Photo: Gilas Pilipinas/Facebook)

Among those players include national team center June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel teammates Marcio Lassiter and Gabe Norwood, Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, Magnolia Hotshots’ Paul Lee and Mark Barroca, Talk N’ Text’s Roger Pogoy and Troy Rosario, and NLEX Road Warriors’ Poy Erram.

Rain or Shine Elastopainter Raymond Almazan was also not present for the second practice of the week but participated in training the Monday prior. KaTropa point guard Jayson Castro remains unseen.

In the meantime, Coach Yeng continues to build up his national team lineup. For Thursday’s practice, the seven-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion coach revealed “Actually for today we invited Ray Parks but he declined so my understanding is he declined to be part of the pool. My understanding is that he has different priorities.”

Now, Guiao is looking forward to the arrival of former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagle Kiefer Ravena expecting his presence at practice next week. Guiao said, “By that time he’s going to be eligible, he’ll just catch up with his conditioning,” adding, “He’s not in full basketball shape, but he’s in decent shape. He didn’t let go of his money, but he went to training on his own.” Norwood also responds to having a new team member, sharing, “I’m excited to have him back here on the court with us, and really see how he steps into that role of leadership and really running the show.”

With Parks’ decline and Ravena’s acceptance, Guiao also elaborates that he is still “looking at some other guys to invite.”

Team Philippines is anticipating taking on Serbia, Italy, and Angola in Group D of the upcoming international competition that begins on August 31.