HEAD Coach Chot Reyes would no longer allow the public to watch the practices of the men’s national basketball team at the Meralco Gym.
Gilas Pilipinas crams to prepare for its match against powerhouse Australia on February 22 in Melbourne.
With the arrival of naturalized player Andray Blatche, the team is now complete and Reyes opts to keep their training session from public view.
“Gilas practices will be closed door starting today. Hoping for everyone’s understanding,” Reyes said through his Twitter account.
The 31st-ranked national team puts extra effort in its bid to upset the Boomers, who are ranked 10th in the world.
Going into his fourth tour of duty with Gilas, the 6-foot-11 Blatche arrived sooner than expected last Friday after his early release from his ball club Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Blatche would be a good booster to the team that has suffered injuries of its key players.
Troy Rosario is doubtful to join Gilas as he recovers from a horrible fall in TNT’s 72-74 setback from Phoenix last week. The 6-foot-7 forward landed face first after a collision in a rebound play.
Rosario’s absence would mean a greater damage to Reyes’s rotation, especially against the tall Aussies.
Terrence Romeo is also recuperating from a knee injury, while Raymond Almazan was ruled out of the national pool after his constant absences.
In attendance during Monday’s training were Blatche, Jayson Castro, June Mar Fajardo, Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas, Matthew Wright, Roger Pogoy, Gabe Norwood, Carl Bryan Cruz and Jio Jalalon. Only Japeth Aguilar did not hit the court.