MANILA, Philippines — Chris Newsome said he is ready to share his experience with younger players as Gilas Pilipinas prepares for the eventual departure of veteran June Mar Fajardo from the national team.
Fajardo recently said his national team career could end after the fourth window of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, creating a need for another veteran to help lead the squad.
Newsome, 36, has emerged as one of the team’s longest-serving players and has appeared in every window of the current qualifiers.
“All I can do is really just share my leadership, the knowledge that I have and pass that down so that way, they can continue to carry the torch like the guys that came before us did for us,” Newsome said.
The Meralco guard said players should recognize the sacrifices required to represent the national team and make the most of the opportunity.
“I think everybody on this team has their sacrifices and things that they have given up just so they can be in this position,” Newsome said. “Something that we always talk about is never taking this opportunity for granted.”
Newsome has averaged 2.7 points, 1.8 assists and 1.2 rebounds in six qualifying games.
He has also worked with younger guards RJ Abarrientos and Juan Gomez de Liaño, sharing lessons from his experience with Gilas.
“I try to pass down all that knowledge that I’ve had throughout my experiences here on Gilas to these younger guys that are coming up. They’re definitely receptive to it,” Newsome said.
Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez and Troy Rosario also bring experience to the national team, giving Gilas several veteran players who can help guide the younger members of the squad.