Gilas Pilipinas Basketball

Although Gilas Pilipinas wing man Marcio Lassiter has officially been ruled out by head coach Yeng Guiao for the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the sharpshooter has full confidence in the team’s other players.

Guiao told media on Friday after Gilas’ 92-83 win over Australian side Adelaide 36ers that Lassiter will not be healthy enough to make the final cut.

“I spoke to Marcio. He won’t be making it,” said Guiao.

Lassiter sustained a strained MCL during the semi-finals of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, forcing him out of the court since. The San Miguel Beermen won over TNT KaTropa in that conference’s finals, 4-2.

Although disappointed, Lassiter expressed confidence in other Gilas wing men, particularly the pair of PBA rookies C.J. Perez and Robert Bolick.

“Each day, you could see how they’re growing. The experience they are getting are valuable for their growth. It’s fun to watch,” Lassiter said.

“People don’t realize how much they can contribute but they contribute a lot. I just hope they continue to develop … and learn from the competition.”

Perez had 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting for Gilas against Adelaide, while Bolick added eight points including a triple.

With Lassiter out and Matthew Wright, another three-point specialist, still recovering from a minor injury, the two youngsters are likely to play big minutes for the nationals in their second tune-up against the 36ers on Sunday.

“I’ve always had confidence in our wings,” Lassiter added.

It was initially reported that Guiao will name his final 12 after Sunday’s tune-up, but given the situation, the decision may come at a slightly later time and with Guiao having to weigh in several factors.

“It’s difficult to choose the final 12,” Guiao said. “Poy (Erram) could not play. He has a knee issue. Matthew (Wright) also has health concerns so I’m a little worried about those two because I really wanted to see them in this situation,” he said.

By Levi Verora, Jr.