Gilas Pilipinas has announced its final roster for the upcoming Fiba World Cup, with the exception of Chris Newsome who was the last player to be cut from the team. The team will be led by Jordan Clarkson and will feature a formidable frontline that includes Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Japeth Aguilar, and June Mar Fajardo.
Joining the five players are Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, and Jamie Malonzo, who will be representing the Philippines in the international tournament. CJ Perez, Kiefer Ravena, and Roger Pogoy, who have previous experience in the Fiba World Cup, have also made the final cut. Rounding out the team is Rhenz Abando, known for his high-flying abilities and popular among fans.
The final roster was obtained ahead of the official announcement. Aguilar and Fajardo have previously represented Gilas Pilipinas in international competitions and will bring their experience to the team. Aguilar has been named captain of the squad, which will be vying for the lone Asian ticket to the Summer Olympic Games in Paris next year.
Chris Newsome was the final player to be cut from the roster. However, he was still included in Fiba’s pre-tournament photoshoot. The national coach, Chot Reyes, emphasized the importance of finding players who are “fit” for the team’s style of play and who give them the best chance of victory.
Notable players who did not make the final roster include Ray Parks Jr., Calvin Oftana, and Thirdy Ravena. The coaching staff of Gilas Pilipinas comprises Tim Cone, Jong Uichico, and Chot Reyes’ son Josh.
The Philippines, ranked 41st in the world, will begin their campaign against the 23rd-ranked Dominican Republic on Friday. They will then face Angola and Italy in the group phase of the tournament.
