Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) — With the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers just around the corner, the Philippines held another practice behind closed doors on Monday at the Meralco gym in Pasig City.
CNN Philippines tried to reach national team head coach Chot Reyes for a comment on the closed door practice, but he declined.
Reyes has submitted the 23-man pool for the qualifiers last Friday.
Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, and Terrence Romeo headline the squad.
Also returning are mainstays Gabe Norwood, Raymond Almazan, Troy Rosario, LA Revilla, Kevin Alas, Baser Amer, and Allein Maliksi.
Cadets RR Pogoy, Matthew Wright, Jio Jalalon, Mac Belo, Carl Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, Von Pessumal, Russell Escoto, Mike Tolomia, and PBA rookie Kiefer Ravena complete the lineup.
READ: Philippines falls in FIBA rankings
The Philippines is under Group B together with Australia, Chinese Taipei, and Japan. It will open its search for a 2019 FIBA World spot against Japan on November 24 at the Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Gymnasium, before taking on Chinese Taipei on November 27 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The top seven teams from the Asian qualifiers will advance to 2019 FIBA World Cup will run from August 31 to September 15, 2019.
