Gilas Boys star Andy Gemao to miss FIBA U18 Asia Cup due to fractured hand

Gilas Pilipinas Boys will compete in the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup with a depleted roster after rising star Andy Gemao was ruled out for the tournament due to an injury.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Sunday announced that the 18-year-old Gemao suffered a third metacarpal bone fracture during the team's tuneup game against Iran.

The development came a day before the youth team kicks off its campaign later tonight against Indonesia at 9:30 p.m. in Amman, Jordan.

“It’s an unfortunate situation. We do everything in our power to keep our players healthy,” said Gilas Boys team manager Dean Castaño.

“But it’s a physical sport and these things happen. We wish Andy Gemao a quick and complete recovery and we’ll be here for him during this difficult time.”

Gemao was a key cog for the youthful squad during their sweep run in the SEABA Qualifiers. The former Letran Squires star flirted with a triple-double in their last SEABA match against Indonesia, pouring 29 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists as they clinched a ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup.

However, the 6-foot guard won't be able to strut his stuff in the continental tourney.

With Gemao out, Gilas Pilipinas Youth will bank on Joaquin Ludovice, Wilhalm Cabonilas, and Drei Lorenzo as other budding cagers in Kurt Velasquez, Mark Esperanza, Johnkurl Figueroa, Carl Manding, Jericho Santos, Louis Perez, John Medina, Marc Burgos, and Charles Esteban complete the lineup for head coach Josh Reyes.

The Philippines is in Group D where they will take on Indonesia then host Jordan and New Zealand both on Wednesday at 12:30 a.m. and at 9:30 p.m., respectively.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News