MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao underscored the value of sacrifice as the national cagers kickstart their buildup for the Fiba World Cup slated Aug. 31-Sept. 15 in Foshan, China. Guiao presided over a team meeting Thursday night at the Meralco gym to get the ball rolling with twice-a-week practices commencing Monday. Meanwhile, Gilas youth intensified its FIBA World Cup U19 buildup yesterday with a near full roster following the first-time appearance of NU Bullpups Gerry Abadiano, Carl Tamayo and Terrence Fortea in practice also at the Meralco Gym. Abadiano, Tamayo and Fortea buckled down to work right away, leaving Italy-based guard Dalph Panopio as the only player being awaited to complete the 14-man pool with only two weeks to go before the U19 world meet in Heraklion, Greece. – John Bryan Ulanday

Source: Philippine Star June 14, 2019 16:00 UTC