Baser Amer, Carl Cruz called up for Australia game

After Baser Amer and Carl Cruz were both cut for Gilas’ road game against Chinese-Taipei last Friday, the two will be fielded by Gilas Pilipinas in its home game against Australia on Monday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The story was first reported by JC Ansis of ESPN5.

Cut for this game are Jio Jalalon and Allein Maliksi.

Amer will be making his Gilas Elite debut.

Joining the two are the core of Jayson Castro, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo, Andray Blatche, Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, and Matthew Wright.

Both the Philippines and Australia hold identical 4-1 cards in Group B.

Gilas Pilipinas’ sole loss came against the Australians back in February 22, 84-68. The Philippines did not have Jayson Castro in the game and paraded the likes of Cruz and Abu Tratter.

On the other hand, the Boomers tasted their first loss at the hands of Japan, 79-74, last Friday. This happened despite the WCQ debuts of NBA pros Matthew Dellavedova and Thon Maker.

The Filipinos and the Aussies have already assured themselves a spot in Group F, together with Group D’s top two Iran and Kazakstan. The winners of Japan versus Chinese-Taipei and Qatar versus Iraq on Monday will complete the group.