By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes just announced their final 16-man lineup that will represent the country in the upcoming 2022 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.
A mix of the past and current Gilas mainstays were posted with the squad seeking to clinch another gold medal before the 2022 Asian Games kick-off.
Leading the team are the projected future 1-2 punch of the national team in Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos who were the top two contributors for Gilas during the past FIBA February window.
Aside from the two young core cadets, Lebron Lopez and Caelum Harris, the youngest in the squad, were also included in the final lineup and are expected to bring the athleticism and versatility in the wings.
A much bigger frontline for Gilas will be seen in Hanoi as the return of June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Mo Tautuaa, and Isaac Go will provide the needed paint protection and post presence coach Reyes wants for his team.
Also making their comeback in the national team are snipers Matthew Wright and Kevin Alas, two of the Gilas veterans that were present in the last FIBA campaigns.
Completing the list are Robert Bolick, Kib Montalbo, Will Navarro, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario, and Poy Erram.
If Gilas will win in Hanoi, the Philippines will then collect its 14th straight SEA Games gold medal in the men’s basketball sport.
