Dave Ildefonso, Geo Chiu, and Jason Brickman will not be able to join Gilas Pilipinas Men’s campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has decided not to tap the trio, allowing Abra Solid North to focus on their quest for the 2025 MPBL national championship.
The best-of-five finals will overlap with the regional meet, scheduled from December 9 to 20 in Thailand.
The Weavers, who swept the Pangasinan Heatwaves in the Northern Division finals, are still awaiting the winner of the South Division finals between the Quezon Huskers and Biñan Tatak Gel.
It will be challenging for Gilas Men to wait for the trio, especially given the predicament they now face.
According to a report by SPIN.ph’s Homer Sayson, Michael Phillips, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Remy Martin have all been deemed ineligible by the Thailand Organizing Committee.
Tiebreaker Times earlier reported that Robert Bolick, Abu Tratter, and Jamie Malonzo have been tapped by head coach Norman Black as replacements.
Von Pessumal has also been added to the pool, bringing the roster to eight alongside Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, and Veejay Pre.
Kymani Ladi and Justin Brownlee were also deemed ineligible.
The SBP can only select players from the 50 names they submitted to the committee last September.
