Towering rookie Sotto, Abueva headline 34-player Gilas practice

Highlighting the attendees for the seniors was Calvin Abueva, who was removed last week from the Gilas pool for the second FIBA World Cup Qualifiers window on Feb. 22 and 25 due to three consecutive absences. (Photo: Calvin Abueva/Facebook)

MANILA — All but one of the Gilas seniors, the entire local college stars group of the Gilas Cadets, and arguably the most-sought after high school star right now showed up in the weekly national team pool practice at the Meralco Gym in Pasig on Monday night.

Highlighting the attendees for the seniors was Calvin Abueva, who was removed last week from the Gilas pool for the second FIBA World Cup Qualifiers window on Feb. 22 and 25 due to three consecutive absences.

On whether Abueva will be reinstated to the pool is to be determined soon.

Kiefer Ravena, Matt Wright, Allein Maliksi, Troy Rosario, Carl Cruz, Jayson Castro, Kevin Alas, Mac Belo, Jio Jalalon, Gabe Norwood, and RR Pogoy also participated, while Junemar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar were relegated into the observer roles following their hard-fought game the night before.

Raymond Almazan once again missed the practice, a sign that he may have already accepted his removal from the pool.

Meanwhile, Kai Sotto, the towering seven-foot-two Ateneo high school beanpole, made his first appearance as a Gilas cadet, being the only juniors hoops player present in practice.

Also making his first appearance was FEU forward Kenneth Tuffin.

Paul Desiderio, Jeo Ambohot, Robert Bolick, and Javee Mocon made a return to Gilas practice after missing the previous week together with Abu Tratter, CJ Perez, Arvin Tolentino, Will Gozum, Juan Gomez de Liaño, JJay Alejandro, Matt Nieto, Thirdy Ravena, and Isaac Go.

Josh Sinclair was once again present, although in an observer’s role as he recuperates from his knee injury, among the cadets.

For the second time, Ricci Rivero, who was not initially part of the “23 for ’23” cadets pool, showed up.

Also paying a visit were Ola Adeogun, Chibueze Ikeh, and San Beda’s current foreign player Eugene Toba to help the Nationals in training.

In total, 34 players were in the practice, the last weekly training before the daily sessions begin next Monday.