MANILA, Philippines – Will Gozum has always played like a man among boys during his high school career, owing to his towering height and hefty frame that are often too much to handle for young players.

On Monday night, however, the 18-year-old standout from Mapua University was every bit the wide-eyed teenager as he participated in the Gilas Pilipinas practice at the Meralco Gym.

Gozum was one of the youngest players present, and the only high school student there.

He did not tower above the other players as he usually does. Indeed, at 6-foot-6 he was one of the shorter centers during practice as he shared the court with players like Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, and Isaac Go.

It was no surprise that Gozum was quite overwhelmed with the experience.

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"Na-starstruck ako," said Gozum, who led Mapua to an NCAA title in 2016 and won league MVP honors last year.

He felt out of place at the start, Gozum also admitted. "Sobrang layo pa noong nakikita ko," he said. "Sa mga plays pa lang, naguguluhan na ako, dahil ang smooth ng transition nila."

"Sinabayan ko lang, nakakapagod talaga," he added.

Nevertheless, Gozum was thrilled to have participated in the practice, and to be included in the "23 for 23" line-up.

"Sinabi ko kaagad sa parents ko na nakabalik ulit ako sa Gilas," said Gozum, who has played for the Philippines in the youth level before. "Itong chance na ito, hindi ko talaga sasayangin."

While there is no guarantee that he will make it to the final line-up in 2023, Gozum is determined to work hard and learn as much as he can from the veterans and the Gilas coaching staff.

"Ibibigay ko lang 'yung best ko, and sana makuha," he said.

"Naisip ko sa sarili ko na parang hindi pa enough 'yung nakuha ko, so tatrabaho na lang ako," he added. "Mino-motivate ko 'yung sarili ko na college players na sila, nakapunta na sila doon, so kaya nila. Kakayanin ko din."

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