Gilas Pilipinas now Chooks to go Pilipinas taps two imports namely Isaiah Austin and Bright Akhuetie for the upcoming 2017 FIBA Asia Championship Cup that will start on September 22.
Isaiah Austin is a 23-year-old 7-foot-1 tall center, who played for Baylor University in Texas, USA. He entered the NBA draft in 2014 and considered a first-round prospect but was not drafted after being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome.
Austin did not play basketball just until last year after being cleared by his doctors and started to accept playing offers from different countries like Serbia and China as well as in the Philippines.
Always tough leaving the people you love most but I'm very thankful for another opportunity to play this game I love.
— Isaiah Austin (@IsaiahAustin) September 11, 2017
God is too good to me!
He is set to arrive Tuesday night and expected to join Gilas practice on Wednesday. Isaiah has been playing for the Guangxi Rhinos in China's second division National Basketball League after a stint for KK FMP Beograd in Serbia last season.
On the other hand, another import by the name of Bright Akhuetie is a Nigerian, who averages 17.6 and 12.1 rebounds during his NCAA career for the Perpetual Help Altas.
The 6-foot-7 Akhuetie, one of the best foreign student-athletes in the country, played two seasons with the Altas. He is currently serving his residency after transferring to University of the Philippines, that should allow him to play for the Maroons for UAAP Season 81.
The two mentioned imports were reported to play alongside Gilas Cadets Kiefer Ravena, Ray Parks and Raymar Jose.
Meanwhile, Christian Standhardinger, Matthew Wright and Ray Parks were out of the line-up as confirmed by Coach Chot Reyes, shared by Chuck Araneta on his Twitter account.
Coach Chot confirmed that Christian Standhardinger, Matthew Wright and Ray Parks won't be available for the FIBA Asia Champions Cup.
— Chuck Araneta (@chuck_araneta) September 11, 2017
Rayray and Christian will sit out to rest some injuries, while Matthew is out for personal reasons
— Chuck Araneta (@chuck_araneta) September 11, 2017
SOURCE: [Inquirer, ABS-CBN Sports, Spin]