Isaiah Austin excited, willing to be part of Gilas program

MANILA, Philippines – Seven-foot-1 naturalized prospect Isaiah Austin promises to play with Team Philippines with a burning desire and determination, knowing the passion of the Filipinos in the sport and believing it’s God who made it possible for him to be in the country.

Austin said he can’t promise to play good all the time but can assure the Filipino fans he’ll play hard in each game.

In this March 21, 2014 file photo, Baylor's Isaiah Austin adjusts his glasses during a second-round game against Nebraska in the NCAA college basketball tournament, in San Antonio. | AP Photo/Eric Gay, file

The Fresno, California native, 23, is thankful to the Filipinos for the warm reception accorded him in his arrival Tuesday night and in his first practice with Team Philippines at the Meralco Gym Wednesday night.

Austin and a selection that is still being put up by coach Chot Reyes will carry the Chooks To Go banner in the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup set to fire off September 22 in Changzhou, China.

Reyes, the Gilas national team program chief, was ecstatic as Austin came on board.

With his size, talent and versatility, Austin is seen by Reyes as a perfect prospect for Gilas PIlipinas like Andray Blatche.

Author: Nelson Beltran, Philippine Star
Full Article: http://www.philstar.com/sports/2017/09/14/1739114/isaiah-austin-excited-willing-be-part-gilas-program