NATIONAL head coach Chot Reyes released a 23-man list of young and budding basketball stars that he says he wants to see in the Gilas pool for the Fiba World Cup, which the country is co-hosting five years from now.
Among those he picked were two Cesafi products, Liloan-native Paul Desiderio and former Ateneo de Cebu standout Joshua Sinclair.
Reyes announced his picks though Twitter. The list included some recognizable names led by rising stars Kobe Paras, Thirdy Ravena, Kai Sotto, Matt Nieto, Robert Bolick and Fil-Nigerian AJ Edu.
The list also had several unknown Filipino-foreigners such as Remy Martin, Dwight Ramos and Troy Rike.
Reyes reiterated that the list is ‘by no means final.’
Nevertheless, upon hearing the news, Sinclair, who is still recovering from an ACL injury, was delighted to be recognized as part of the future of Philippine basketball.
“It’s a true honor. To be seen as one of the future pieces in Filipino basketball by a great coach, Chot Reyes is amazing,” said the current National University Bulldog player.
“I know that even if I missed the last year and a bit due to injuries that I can really help the squad when I’m back to 100 percent. I’m glad that the coaching staff and everyone involved saw potential in me and gave me an opportunity,” the Fil-Australian added.
Desiderio, on the other hand, said that if given the chance, he would do whatever it takes to help the Philippine team.
“I’m really happy [being in the list]. But of course, there’s still a lot of work that still needs to be done,” said the current King Maroon of the University of the Philippines.