By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Finally, Gilas Pilipinas’ official 12-man lineup for the FIBA World Cup has been named.
After several weeks of thorough personnel selection, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Gilas coaching staff already named their Final 12 picks that will see action in the global hoops games set to kick off today at the Philippine Arena.
Leading the pack are the 1-2 frontcourt punch of June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, two veterans who already suited up for the past two FIBA World Cups.
Fajardo and Aguilar already donned the blue and white Gilas colors during the 2014 and the 2019 World Cup editions and are looking for their best finish under a revamped roster and system.
Backstopping the duo is Filipino-American NBA shooting guard and former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson.
This is Clarkson’s first World Cup stint with his Filipino teammates and will be expected to banner the squad’s scoring load once they march into battle against Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy.
Other veterans who also made the cut were Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, and RR Pogoy: all members of the 2019 Gilas team together with Fajardo and Aguilar.
Dwight Ramos, one of the most consistent to ever wear a Gilas uniform, will also step in the bright lights together with reigning PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Scottie Thompson.
Completing the cast of Gilas’ strong 12 are the twin towers of Kai Sotto and AJ Edu, high-flying small forward Jamie Malonzo, and the athletic Rhenz Abando.
The Philippine national team will first be tested against the Dominican Republic today as they headline the opening of the FIBA World Cup games at the Philippine Arena at 8 PM.
