By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
With no definite and final lineup yet released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), program director Tab Baldwin stuck to the boys who led the Philippines in Manama, and will be reinforced by PBA superstar Kiefer Ravena.
The NLEX Road Warriors’ top gunner was joined by Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Rey Suerte, Javi Gomez de Liano, Dave Ildefonso, Justine Baltazar, Calvin Oftana, William Navarro, and Kemark Carino.
“These young men have not only proven their dedication to the Gilas program, but have also shown their capability to work well as a team, as we saw in the two games against Thailand in the last window,” said SBP President Al Panlilio.
Completing the collegiate-studded squad is Ateneo Blue Eagles’ center Ange Kouame whose naturalization papers are still in the process of the final approval in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“I’m thankful for their commitment as we continue to lay the foundation for the team we will form in 2023,” added Panlilio.
However, Panlilio confirmed that the first batch of Gilas cadets that went to the Calamba Laguna is not yet final to join the roster for February because a second batch of players will also arrive on January 22.
Guiding the mix of young guns and veterans is head coach Jong Uichico assisted by Norman Black, Caloy Garcia, Sandy Arespacochaga, and Boyet Fernandez.