A hybrid team of pro and collegiate players make up the Gilas Pilipinas' 13-man pool that will travel to Beirut, Lebanon for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson and Barangay Ginebra teammate Japeth Aguilar were named to the squad by Chot Reyes and his coaching staff and are joining a unit that will have young big man Kai Sotto and Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson playing together for the very first time.
Also part of the national team are Jamie Malonzo of NorthPort, Meralco's Chris Newsome, and NLEX's Calvin Oftana, along with Roosevelt Adams, Ray Parks Jr., Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, and Carl Tamayo.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director and spokesperson Sonny Barrios made the announcement during the online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Monday.
Malonzo, Newsome, and Adams are suiting up for the first time for Gilas, although the 32-year-old Newsome previously played for the Philippine men's 3x3 team that won the gold in the 30th Southeast Asian Games here.
Sponsored content:
The team practiced for the last time Monday morning at the Meralco gym and departs for Lebanon later in the night.
Barrios said the coaching staff won't submit its final 12-man roster until the eve of its game against the Lebanese, runner-up in the recent FIBA Asia Cup, on the 25th.
The Filipinos will return to the country early Saturday morning and prepare for their next outing against Saudi Arabia on the 29th at the Mall of Asia Arena. (RG)
