Amidst an unexpected call-up to join the national team pool, Emilio Aguinaldo College's Allen Liwag said he's out to prove he deserves a spot on the final Gilas Pilipinas lineup for the third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
"Syempre unang-una, 'di ko inexpect na nangyari sa akin na mapapasali ako du'n. Siguro gagawin ko na lang 'yung best ko every practice, every opportunity na bigyan ako ng mga coaches, at ng mga teammates ko para mapakita ko rin na deserving rin ako na mapasali doon," Liwag said during the press conference for the GMA NCAA All-Star on Sunday morning.
"Sobrang unexpected sa career ko kaya gagawin ko talaga 'yung best ko para 'di masayang 'yung opportunity na binigay ng SBP, ng Gilas, at syempre ni Lord."
Liwag had been attending Gilas' training for the past few days, but the 6-foot-6 slotman said the adjustment has been smooth, especially since he is playing the same position he does for the EAC Generals.
He added that the coaches, led by Nenad Vucinic, and his teammates have been very welcoming in his first time joining the national team.
"So far okay naman, madali ako nakakasama sa kanila, kumbaga nakakasabay ako kumbaga kasi winelcome nila ako na parang isa sa kanila kahit personally nagulat talaga ako," the 20-year-old Liwag said.
"'Yung adjustment ko sa team ko nung college at sa Gilas ay parang sobrang laki pero at least kahit du'n sa tatlong training namin nakakasabay naman ako. Nakapag-adjust naman ako nang maayos tsaka sa position na nilalaro ko parang same lang rin sa college."
Liwag, before continuing his training with Gilas, showed glimpses of what he can bring to the table after he finished with 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds during the All-Star festivities.
Aside from Liwag, another NCAA star in Rhenz Abando was invited to the pool.
—JMB, GMA News
