Gilas program excited for potential 2023 FIBA World Cup lineup

from L-R, Japeth Aguilar, Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo, and Isaac Go (Chooks to Go Photo)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Gilas Pilipinas basketball program is excited about their projected 2023 lineup.

The PH team can potentially form one of the tallest basketball squads with emerging stars Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Isaac Go, and Kevin Quiambao projected to be part of the pool.

With reigning PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo only turning 34 years old come 2023, the 6’10’’ Fajardo, 7’2’’ Sotto, 6’8’’ Go and Quiambao, and 6’10’’ Edu will form a formidable squad that can bang bodies with the big guys underneath in the international stage.

Also, small forwards Carl Tamayo, who stands at 6’7’’, and Ateneo’s Dwight Ramos at 6’5’’, will be backing up the versatile Troy Rosario at 6’8’’.

As early as this year, the Gilas program headed by director coach Tab Baldwin is already choosing players for the 2023 pool.

The intense preparations include creating their naturalized player pool as early as now, with names like Justin Brownlee, Chris McCullough, and Ange Kouame on the list.

“We got a lot guys coming in. I’m excited. There’s a lot of prospects out there. We just can’t be closed minded about it and just be focus about it. This generation the pool is a lot bigger,” said former Gilas center, Asi Taulava.