#GilasGritAndGrind: Reporters note from Monday's work in Meralco

Another Monday evening in Meralco Gym has just passed by as the two teams in the Gilas Pilipinas Men have wrapped up their training as the countdown to the Southeast Asian Games gets closer.

The centerpiece squad of grand slam-winning coach Tim Cone, as well as the 3x3 side of mentor Ronnie Magsanoc intensified their training in preparation its home court defense for the biennial meet, in which it tips off on December 4.

With the attendance of four-time gold medal winner in Kiefer Ravena, Gilas Men were made to work by the country's lone team in the ASEAN Basketball League, Alab Pilipinas in a close-door affair before the Nationals eked out a close 98-95 win.

Given a huge fright by the squad of former Gilas top point guard Jimmy Alapag, it was a close game all throughout as Junemar Fajardo bailed them out with a masterful fourth quarter, firing in a dozen to lead the Gilas Pilipinas squad.

As for Alab, the Batang Gilas tandem of Jordan Heading and Andrei Caracut reunited after eight years since they last played together, combining for a dozen of their own to supplant Louie Vigil.

Despite the result, coach Tim Cone admits that it is still a work in progress considering that the final twelve will still be up for grabs.

"Right now we can't tell you who the 12 are. It's a tough choice," he said.

With Jayson Castro out, Kiefer Ravena had been given the go signal to replace him in the pool, although he did not suit up that night.

However he was as ready as he is looking forward to train with the PBA's greatest coach of all time.

"It's a learning opportunity for me," said the four-time SEA Games champion, who won all of them during his college heydays with Ateneo.

Afterwards, it was the 3x3 squad hit the floor next, as the attendance have dwindled down to five. The CJ Perez, Mac Belo, Mo Tautuaa, Jason Perkins and Chris Newsome squad were joined by practice players to help them, most notably former Ateneo Blue Eagle in Tonino Gonzaga.

Bucking the absence of former 3x3 poster boy Terrence Romeo due to illness, mentor Ronnie Magsanoc is pleased with the commitment despite their compressed schedule, as they are doing what they have in disposal to simulate the fast pace of the shorter game.

"It's not just making them play," he said, as he wished that the players that brought the country to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament will be invited for scrimmages.

Photo by Kevin Estrada/Pinoyliga.com