Chris Newsome 'always ready to serve' after being cut from Gilas Final 12
He may have been one of the last cuts from the Gilas Pilipinas lineup, but Chris Newsome said he is always ready to play for the national team.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, after the final 12 was released, Newsome posted a photo of him with the Philippine flag.
"Pride and honor," he wrote. "N3W will always be ready to serve."
Newsome played in the three tuneup matches in the country ahead of the FIBA World Cup.
On Thursday, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes said breaking the news to Newsome, Thirdy Ravena, Calvin Oftana, and Ray Parks, was one of the most difficult things he had to do as a coach.
The final 12 of Gilas Pilipinas is composed of Rhenz Abando, Japeth Aguilar, Jordan Clarkson, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, RR Pogoy, Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Kai Sotto, and Scottie Thompson.
Gilas will open their campaign in the World Cup against Dominican Republic on Friday at the Philippine Arena, followed by Angola on August 27 and Italy on August 29.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News