Malonzo, Oftana, Alas join Gilas in maiden practice for August window

Three PBA players have joined Gilas Pilipinas in the team's first practice ahead of the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup later this month.

Jamie Malonzo of NorthPort, and the NLEX duo of Kevin Alas and Calvin Oftana were all present during the nationals' behind-closed-doors session on Monday night at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.

The three attended the training alongside other pool members Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and Francis Lopez.

Head coach Chot Reyes led the training with Ginebra mentor Tim Cone and Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes serving as his deputies.

Several players, especially from the PBA, are expected to show up in practice as Gilas Pilipinas gears up for two qualifiers. Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson and FIlipino wunderkind Kai Sotto are also tipped to bolster the national team with the Fil-Am guard expected to arrive on August 19.

Sotto, who is set for his second year in the NBL, will arrive on the 18th.

Gilas will fly to Beirut on August 25 to take on the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup finalist Lebanon before clashing with Saudi Arabia on the 29th at the Mall of Asia Arena. — LA, GMA News