By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officially released its 12-man lineup that will represent the Philippines in the upcoming 2022 Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball tournament.
With almost a week left before the kick-off of the prestigious sports tournament, the SBP had to pass their official lineup so that the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) can arrange their arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Headlining the list of the star-studded crew is PBA’s only six-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo from the San Miguel Beermen.
Also returning to the national team is Kiefer Ravena who flew to Japan to play as an Asian import in the Japan B. League.
Backstopping Kiefer is his brother Thirdy who also rendered his services in the Japan B. League and played for the San-En NeoPhoenix.
The youngest in the group and hand-picked by head coach Chot Reyes, the high-flying LeBron Lopez, also made the cut and will be donning the blue and white in Vietnam.
Completing the members of the national team are Isaac Go, Mo Tautuaa, Matthew Wright, RR Pogoy, Will Navarro, Kib Montalbo, Kevin Alas, and Troy Rosario.
Surprisingly, Dwight Ramos, Robert Bolick, and Filipino-American Caelum Harris were not part of the official lineup.
These 12 men will be vying to defend the Philippines’ championship title against Southeast Asian powerhouse countries and will seek to continue their dominance.
