THE exceptional performance of Phoenix’s left-handed big man Justin Chua during the PBA Philippine Cup has not gone unnoticed as he has been called to join the Gilas Pilipinas pool that is intensely preparing for the third and final window of qualifying for the Fiba Asia Cup.

This development is the latest feather in Chua’s cap after he was nominated for the Most Improved Player award. The awarding ceremonies for this was being staged as of press time.

The former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagle big man entered the bubble facility at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Also arriving that day was TerraFirma’s star CJ Perez.

Chua, Perez and NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena are the only PBA players so far to enter the bubble, although others are expected to arrive on Jan. 22. Also at Inspire are the Gilas cadets led by special Gilas draftees Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto and two-time Cesafi MVP Rey Anthony Suerte.

For Chua, this marks the second time that he has been asked to take part in the Gilas program. He was part of the Gilas squad that routed Indonesia in the first window way back in February 2020. He tallied six points and three rebounds in the Gilas’ 100-70 victory. (JNP)