Rhenz Abando will be the 13th man for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup.
The 6-foot-2 NCAA Most Valuable Player was the tough cut by head coach Chot Reyes for the continental showpiece, which takes place from July 12 to 24 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The 24-year-old, though, will still make the flight with the team to Jakarta, Indonesia since he will be the team’s reserve player.
Abando averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 assists during the 2022 KB Kookmin Bank Invitational. However, his numbers dipped to 6.5 points during the second window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
(C) Paul Ryan Tan/FIBA Asia
Abando’s cut was the result of the national team bringing in two veteran wingers in Thirdy Ravena and Ray Parks.
Ravena will be making his return to Gilas for the first time since the Araneta Window. Meanwhile, Parks makes his return to the team since the 29th Southeast Asian Games.
Serving as team captain is Kiefer Ravena.
Reinforcing the young crew is TNT big man Poy Erram, who also played during the Araneta window of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Completing the squad are Dwight Ramos, William Navarro, Carl Tamayo, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Geo Chiu, Francis Lopez, and Kevin Quiambao.
Gilas will face India, New Zealand, and Lebanon in the group stages.
