Gilas holds first practice in Belgrade ahead of OQT

Gilas Pilipinas held its first practice in Belgrade, Serbia Saturday, June 26, four days before plunging into action in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Photos provided by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas showed coach Tab Baldwin presiding over the session held at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall where the games are scheduled to take place.

The national cagers arrived the other day in the Serbian capital, but not before dealing with a scare while in Istanbul, Turkey when the pilot decided to abort take-off.

Gilas was allowed to train after clearing health and safety protocols being implemented by world governing body FIBA.

The OQT will start Tuesday, June 29 but Gilas won’t play until the following day (early Wednesday, July 1 Manila time) against host Serbia.

Also scheduled is a match opposite Dominican Republic on early Thursday, June 2 Manila time.

The 12 players who are in Belgrade for the Olympic qualifier are Dwight Ramos, Ange Kouame, Kai Sotto, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Jordan Heading, Will Navarro, Justine Baltazar, Carl Tamayo, Isaac Go, Mike Nieto and Geo Chiu.