Gilas Pilipinas is set to compete and continue their rally into FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade on July 1 and July 2 against Serbia and Dominican Republic, respectively. Their journey could not have been any worse if it were not for the simultaneous injuries encountered by the team. 

In a recent press conference, coach Tab Baldwin admitted his and the team’s apprehension for the upcoming games because of Dwight Ramos’ injury, as well as big man Carl Tamayo, and newly naturalized player Angelo Kouame

As of now, Gilas Pilipinas has three players who are trying to recover from injuries they caught during the official games and training.

Last June 18, Tamayo suffered from a Grade 1 left ankle sprain against Indonesia. As an implication, it led to the rising forward of Gilas to observe outside the court in their game against Korea and China. 

Only a week after the injury of one of the Gilas members, Kouame, the Fil-Ivorian big man of the team injured his knee. And this even fueled the concern of coach Baldwin for it adversely affected the performance of Kouame.

And just last week, Ramos’ groin injury further complicated the situation of Gilas. As one of the consistent players in the Asia Cup Qualifiers and a key player in defeating Indonesia, Thailand, and Korea.  

Nevertheless, Baldwin is still eyeing the situation as an opportunity for the Gilas members to show how much they have improved and trained to raise the flag and pride of the country. 

“We are limping and these are key players. But we know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said. 

“I know they’re gonna go out there and if they can give their best, that’s what they’re going to give.”