"I DIDN'T SAY WHO" | Reyes clarifies Gilas shoo-in reports

Reports claimed that (L-R) Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario, and Andray Blatche are among those who made the cut, which Coach Chot Reyes clarified. (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Coach Chot Reyes took to Twitter his dismay after reports surfaced on Wednesday night that nine Gilas players were virtually named to the final lineup for the SEABA Men's Championship.

"I hate it when people put words in my mouth. I said we already have about 8 or 9 in mind. I didn't say who," Reyes tweeted.

The said reports named Xinjiang center Andray Blatche, San Miguel beanpole June Mar Fajardo, tenacious Alaska star Calvin Abueva, spitfire TNT guard Jayson Castro and teammate Troy Rosario, explosive GlobalPort guard Terrence Romeo, Ginebra's high-flying forward Japeth Aguilar, Rain or Shine big man Raymond Almazan, and Star scorer Allein Maliksi as part of the "Chosen Dozen".

However, Reyes' tweet somehow doused cold water on the reports.

The multi-titled PBA coach will name his SEABA roster—and reveal whether the said players indeed make the cut—on Friday night, after the national pool takes on the Luzon All-Stars in the PBA All-Star Week Luzon Leg at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno