Brandon Bates gives Gilas’ size, mobility in Asiad, says Trillo

Meralco center Brandon Bates during a game against Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco big man Brandon Bates will bring two key facets of his game when he makes his Gilas Pilipinas debut in the upcoming 2026 Asian Games later this month.

According to Bolts coach Luigi Trillo, the 6-foot-9 Bates adds much-needed size and mobility to Gilas’ frontcourt alongside Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Justin Arana, and Zavier Lucero.

“I think the team needs size and I think he gives them an advantage there,” Trillo told the Inquirer in a phone call on Saturday.

READ: South Korea exposes urgent Gilas needs for Asian Games title defense

“We don’t have much bigs. There are mobile bigs like Rosser and Lucero, but the national teams in the Asian Games have bigger guys.”

Bates hasn’t shown much of that yet during the Philippines’ pair of tuneup games in South Korea. Most recently, Gilas dropped a 69-42 decision in their final friendly game before the Asiad.

Bates, as a starter, was scoreless in 23 minutes of action but managed to pull down eight rebounds and a block.

Trillo was thrilled to see his ward be of service to the Philippine team.

“I saw a bit of the games, and I liked a lot. He wasn’t beaten downhill on pick-and-rolls. He got touch passes around the rim.”

“That has to be a challenge for him to finish around the rim and be better but I didn’t see any letdown. Every time he got blocked or things didn’t go his way, I liked how he sprinted down the court and locked in.”