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Chot Reyes not closing door on overseas-based Gilas prospects

Ray-Ray Parks currently plays in the ABL. (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Despite having an all-PBA lineup in his Gilas training pool, Coach Chot Reyes reiterated that the likes of Ray-Ray Parks and Kiefer Ravena, former national team players who are playing outside the local pro league, can still be part of the lineup.

"We're not shutting our doors to everyone," Reyes said in a press conference following the announcement of the additions to the national team pool at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday night.


However, the fact that they are playing overseas, according to Reyes, could take a toll on not just them but also on the entire team, leading to his preference that he would rather have Gilas playing at home.

"They may say that they are available for national duty, but the question is 'How about the travel here?' The Job No. 1 is that you have to be here," Reyes continued.

Parks currently plays for Alab Pilipinas in the ABL, and the team had to travel to the neighboring nations twice each for its road games, not to mention that the team has to go roam around the Philippines for its home games.

In fact, Alab is in Hong Kong for a road game against Eastern later Sunday.

He, however, already said last month that he is keeping his option to join Gilas open.


Ravena, on the other hand, is training with NBA D-League club Texas Legends, but the fact that he is not in the team's lineup for the season could give him an opportunity to join Gilas.

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