Head coach Adamson Nash Racela and star guard Jerom Lastimosa. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Coach Adamson Nash Racela believes Jerom Lastimosa deserves a call-up to Gilas Pilipinas.
With Lastimosa arguably the current best point guard in college basketball, Racela is wondering why his star player hasn’t received invitations to train and play for the national team.
“Why isn’t Jerom Lastimosa in the Gilas group? I’ve been wanting to tweet about that. Nobody talks about that when it comes to Gilas,” Racela said after Adamson wrapped up the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament. with an 81-60 loss to top seed Ateneo in Wednesday’s Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I always read that he was the best point guard in college basketball. If he’s really the best, why isn’t he in the Gilas group?” he added.
Coach Adamson said the question stemmed from his belief that the pompous keeper deserves a chance to play alongside Gilas.
“It was just a question. I always think about that. I am proud of him and his achievements. I also feel that he deserves a place too and look at him. Really, they would be surprised if they invited him,” said former assistant coach Gilas.
Lastimosa said he is always ready to play for the national team but he leaves that decision to the national federation and the coaches.
“If invited, it would be an honor. But if they don’t, I’m fine because they decide what’s best for the team,” fourth-year Falcon said in Filipino.
“If I was summoned, of course, I would take that opportunity. I won’t miss it because this is an opportunity to serve our country,” he added.
Lastimosa, who is still undecided Will he play another season for the Falcons?received a few words of encouragement from Ateneo’s coach Tab Baldwin, who was Gilas’s starter.
“Coach Tab hugged me and said I did a great job. I did a good job and took care of my body. And the last thing he said, he loved me,” said Lastimosa.
Racela quipped: “I love you more.”
Lastimosa will finally have a chance to rest right foot injury while thinking about the next step in his career.
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