Chris Newsome continues to help Gilas despite being cut from Final 12

Chris Newsome's commitment to the flag did not end when he was cut from the final roster of Gilas Pilipinas for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

During the nationals' warm-up ahead of their first game against Dominican Republic on Friday night at the Philippine Arena, the Meralco Bolts guard was seen helping the Filipinos in their shootaround, even assisting Jordan Clarkson in his solo shooting drills.

Newsome said he's just doing his share, regardless whether he's part of the final lineup or not.

"I gotta find a way to help the team in any way that I can so that’s out there rebounding, helping the guys warm up," Newsome said following Gilas' 87-81 loss.

"That’s what I gotta do. That just shows that I’m committed to this program 100 percent, I’m going to do whatever the program needs, the coaches need, in order for us to be successful."

Newsome was cut from the Final 12 alongside Thirdy Ravena, Calvin Oftana, and Ray Parks.

"For us to be something special, everybody gotta do their share and the Filipino word for that is bayanihan. Everybody has to do their part," he added.

"Even though I’m not on the court, I can still help in little ways and I hope I showed that tonight. I hope I showed that to all the fans out there that I’m still willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to this team."

Gilas Pilipinas will next face Angola on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News