GILAS Pilipinas has started integrating new addition Quentin Millora-Brown in preparation for his targeted debut in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in November.
“We have to try to mix QMB into the lineup. He’s a young guy, doesn’t know the system yet. And we have to make sure we have realistic expectations for him,” Gilas coach Tim Cone said.
While the Nationals are on a break, the multi-titled mentor said efforts to help get the 6-foot-10 Fil-Am initiated in the system even while he’s in Japan are already ongoing.
“We’ve been communicating with him and he’s working with Patrick Partosa, our analytics and video guy. They’re sending videos back and forth, triangle stuff, so he can probably get a head start,” he shared.
“I don’t know if he’s actually playing with a team yet or if he’s signed a contract with anybody over there. But he is apparently very excited about playing in November,” he added.
Gilas is set to open its bid in the WCQ with a pair of matches against Guam, the lowest-ranked team in Group A, on Nov. 28 away and Dec. 1 at home.
For now, Mr. Cone said Mr. Millora-Brown’s entry will be the only change they will make in his handpicked pool.
“The Guam window will be a time where QMB can really try to integrate into the team,” he said. “And then we’ll look yearend and reassess the team going into the next year and see if there’s any more changes beyond Quintin Brown that we might do.”
The hope is also for Kai Sotto, who is recovering from an ACL injury, to be fully back in time for the second window early next year for back-to-back home duels against powerhouses New Zealand (Feb. 26) and Australia (Mar. 1). — Olmin Leyba
