Elite Filipino-American Caelum Harris will be part of Gilas Pilipinas’ pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup proper.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has announced that the 16-year-old winger out of Nashville, Tennessee will be flying to the country next month, committing himself to all the possible tournaments the national team will play heading into the global meet.
Harris, who stands at 6-foot-7, acquired his Philippine passport before he turned 16.
Some of the tournaments on deck for the Gilas Men’s team are the 31st Southeast Asian Games in May, the third window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in June, the FIBA Asia Cup in July, and the 2022 Asian Games in August.
For Gilas Youth, the U16 Asian Championship will be held in Kuwait in June.
“We’re very seriously building for the future and having Caelum is just the first step in this direction,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.
Gilas program director Chot Reyes was also able to talk to Harris yesterday.
Harris’ family traces their roots in Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
