MANILA, Philippines–Lower than 24 hours earlier than Gilas Pilipinas’ flight for the nineteenth Asian Video games in China, interim nationwide coach Tim Cone supplied no decision to the manpower woes hounding this system.

“We don’t have something,” Cone advised a pair of reporters shortly after Gilas’ apply at Philsports Enviornment in Pasig Metropolis on a wet Saturday afternoon, referring to the standing of Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins and Mo Tautuaa.

The ultimate apply noticed Gilas sticking with the 4 last-minute call-ups—CJ Perez, Kevin Alas, Chris Ross, and Arvin Tolentino—and Marcio Lassiter. The 5 PBA standouts additionally performed in Gilas’ win over visiting Changwon LG Sakers the evening earlier than.

“Their inclusion would’ve been transformational, however once more, we don’t have management of that,” Cone Mentioned of the unique quartet who would’ve offered Gilas measurement, versatility, and a special type of protection.

“I can’t think about something altering right now. It kills me to rule these 4 guys out as a result of they actually change the dynamics of the group when it comes to measurement and flexibility. Even data, as a result of they’ve all that foundational data from the start of our Encourage camp,” he mentioned.

“I don’t need to preserve belaboring the purpose, however Calvin and Jason have been presupposed to be our defensive studs, they’re our stoppers. Perkins is so robust bodily and strikes his ft very well and Calvin may actually play you to the purpose the place you’re now not targeted in your recreation anymore. That’s actually their energy. We don’t have that proper now, so we’ve got to search out methods to make up for that. That’s the place we’ve got to be inventive in our protection.”

Romeo, Tautuaa, and Perkins have been current within the pleasant in opposition to the Koreans. The trio, together with Abueva, have been nowhere to be discovered in the course of the mild session on Saturday.

A pair of Inquirer insiders mentioned that the squad that performed in opposition to the KBL semifinalists and skilled one final time on Saturday is just about the ultimate roster for the continental meet.

Cone is hoping that the 4 late additions’ wealth of expertise and distinct traits make up for his or her last-minute insertion into the squad.

“And like I’ve mentioned, they’re veteran gamers, they know the sport. I’ve mentioned it earlier than, Kevin can come out and offer you 30 [points] an evening. Chris is a good chief, he’s been on these San Miguel groups ceaselessly. Marcio replaces Roger it doesn’t matter what. Arvin is aware of us, so you recognize, he has that one actually good talent which is having the ability to unfold the ground,” he mentioned.

“We lose a little bit bit when it comes to measurement however we don’t lose when it comes to pure expertise. They’re gifted, they’re sensible and they’re all leaders,” he added.

Gilas opens its marketing campaign in opposition to Bahrain on Tuesday, Sept. 26.