MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines (UP) guards Paul Desiderio and Jett Manuel were welcomed to the "greater Gilas family" on Monday although they are not officially part of the national team pool.

Both players – who played an integral role in the Fighting Maroons' Cinderella-run in the UAAP Season 79 tournament – were called as part of the team in a press conference on Monday night at the Makati Shangri-La, where Gilas Pilipinas' partnership with Chooks to Go was also formally announced.

"No, (they're) not in the final Gilas pool, but they're part of the greater Gilas family," national team coach Chot Reyes told reporters after the event.

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Desiderio used to play in Batang Gilas, and in Reyes' own words, "Once you're in Gilas, you're always Gilas."

As for Manuel, the UP captain "volunteered to be a practice player," according to Reyes. "Like we said, we're always open."

"But really, the pool is going to consist of the 12 cadets and 12 more (players) from the PBA," he clarified.

Both Manuel and Desiderio were admittedly shocked at the development but welcomed the opportunity.

"Di ko nga ine-expect na kasali pala kami. Akala ko, in-invite lang ako sa kainan dito," Desiderio said jokingly.

"Pero masaya ako kasi malaking experience din ang makukuha ko kung makasali ako dito sa Gilas," he added.

Manuel said he is thrilled to have taken another step towards his "No. 1 goal," which is to one day play for the Philippines.

"I wasn't lucky enough to have that opportunity, because I got cut before. Now, I'm working towards that goal. Sobrang fulfilling for me. I'm not there yet, I'm not yet in the line-up, I'm not yet in the team, but with the opportunities that are coming, I just want to take advantage and hopefully show that I deserve to be in the team," he said.