Roosevelt Adams will be the 13th man of Gilas when they take on Lebanon on Friday morning (Manila time) in Zouk Mikael.
This means that Chris Newsome and Jamie Malonzo will be making their first appearance with the national team.
“Our GILAS PILIPINAS Men’s National Basketball Team is raring to go all out for flag and country,” said SBP Executive Director and spokesman Sonny Barrios.
“Each one, to the last man, is fully committed to giving his very best, inspired by the support and prayers of his countrymen. Let us continue to wish them well and cheer them on as they play for all of us away from home. LABAN PILIPINAS! PUSO!”
Returning from the Asia Cup are Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena; Bobby Ray Parks; and Carl Tamayo.
Meanwhile, reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson will mark his return to the national team. The do-it-all Ginebra guard last played for Gilas back in the fifth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Thompson’s teammate Japeth Aguilar will also join the team after being cleared from COVID-19. He last donned the Gilas jersey during the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Calvin Oftana returns as well. He last played during the Manama window of the Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Kai Sotto (last played during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament) and Dwight Ramos (last played during the third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers) join the final pool as well.
“Kai has been very, very impressive,” said assistant coach Tim Cone during Gilas team practice at the Meralco gym prior to their departure for Beirut.
“Maybe in the NBA level, it’s a different thing. But at this level, he’s a real deal. Having Kai protecting the rim for us, it’s making a big, big difference.”
Finally, Jordan Clarkson will be the naturalized player of Gilas.
“JC knows the offense already. He runs dribble-drive in Utah, he’s done it before. He’s very comfortable with it so I don’t think that’s going to be an issue for us. He already understands the principles, so he’s stepping in really easy,” said Cone
Head coach of Gilas is Chot Reyes and will be assisted by Cone and Jong Uichico.
