By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) just revealed Gilas Pilipinas’ final playing pool for the upcoming fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
It was SBP spokesperson Sonny Barrios who made the official announcement during another Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
Eager to bounce back after disappointing finishes during the Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA Asia Cup, the SBP formed one of its best lineups spearheaded by returning stars Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto.
Also returning from the FIBA Asia Cup Gilas lineup are Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., and University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons superstar Carl Tamayo.
Several new faces will also fly with the team to Beirut as two-way lengthy players Chris Newsome (Meralco), Jamie Malonzo (Northport), and Roosevelt Adams also made the cut.
Stabilizing things for the roster are Ginebra’s 1-2 punch and former Gilas members Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar.
Thompson, who last played for the national team last 2019, will officially mark his return and is expected to receive the bulk of ball-handling duties for head coach Chot Reyes.
Also making his return with Gilas is NLEX Road Warriors’ Calvin Oftana who is coming off a stellar PBA season despite failing to qualify in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup.
Last but not the least, one of the beloved Gilas members of the Filipino basketball fans, Dwight Ramos, will also boost the team against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
Ramos was already included in the lineup for the FIBA Asia Cup but eventually begged off due to an injury.
The national team will seek to bounce back against Lebanon on August 26 and will take on Saudi Arabia on August 29.
