Members of Gilas Pilipinas did not let Tropical Storm Mario dampen their spirits as they continued their training despite the rains and floods raging over Metro Manila on Friday.

 

Coach Chot Reyes posted a photo Twitter showing the players at practice at Meralco gym, as the team wraps up its buildup before leaving for South Korea on Saturday for the Asian Games.

 

 

Reyes was forced to cancel the team's morning practice at PhilSports Arena due to the torential rains, but decided to push through with their afternoon practice due to time constraints as the Asiad basketball tournament drew near. The team will play its first game in the tournament on Tuesday.

 

Naturalized center Marcus Douthit, who was inserted into the lineup after NBA star Andray Blatche was ruled ineligible to play for the Asiad, needs all the time he can get to gel with his teammates until the competition.

 

Gilas Pilipinas is aiming to bring home the gold medal in the Asian Games, a feat last achieved by the national team in 1962. The Philippines last won a medal in 1998 when it bagged the bronze. — JST, GMA News