Clint Escamis hopeful for Gilas call-up but unsure due to NCAA scheduling

Former NCAA Rookie of the Year and MVP Clint Escamis revealed he is part of the planned roster of Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December.

The talks have been underway, as Escamis already submitted his passport and is currently in discussions with SPB grassroots program coach Bacon Austria.

“They called me one day, and nagbigay sila ng calling card sa SBP. Di ko alam anong nangyayari doon pero to be included in the long list of that roster siyempre karangalan na ‘yun sakin,” he said.

“Sobrang grabe na yung pangalan ko nun if makasama man ako sa lineup,” added Escamis.

This is all in the air, however, as Clint is set to take part in the Mapua Cardinals’ title defense in the NCAA basketball tournament, also slated for December.

Mapua University star Clint Escamis is shelving his PBA aspirations for now, opting to skip the upcoming Season 50 Rookie Draft despite being among the most highly anticipated prospects.

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NCAA Management Committee Chairman Melchor Divina said the decision to let Escamis play for Gilas in the SEA Games will likely fall into the hands of Mapua.

“Pinakamatagal na matatapos ang NCAA is December 14, kung game two lang, December 10. So kung first week at may kukunin sa NCAA at pumasok sa finals, siyempre baka di pumayag ang school,” he said.

Divina also said the NCAA would let Escamis suit up in the SEA Games undeterred if Mapua failed to make the postseason; otherwise, Escamis’ priority should be playing for his school.

“Pero kung kukunin ay out na at wala na silang laro, siyempre papagamit naman yan ng NCAA, di naman madamot ang NCAA. Pero siyempre priority [ang school] kung pumasok ka sa finals at tatamaan yung SEA Games at hihiramin,” he said.

“Kung sa Mapua mangyayari yan, siyempre priority muna ang [NCAA]. Meron parin naman time na mahihiram, pahihiram,” he added.

For Escamis, the focus is still on the Cardinals’ quest to repeat as champions and will make a decision only if he makes it to the final roster.

“I really didn’t think of it kasi siyempre focus muna ako sa NCAA pero siyempre sino bang ayaw ang dream na makasama sa Gilas,” he saidIf it happens, it happens. Hopefully, if ever man, payagan ako ng NCAA. Lets see.”

Escamis formerly played for the UE Red Warriors in the UAAP before joining Mapua, where he led them to back-to-back Finals appearances and their first championship in 33 years last season.

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