The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, through Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, unveiled the final line-up for the Philippines that will compete in the second leg of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Sunday evening.
Finally got go-signal to announce GILAS entourage leaving tom: Jason, Kief, Kev, Jio, RR, Matt, Allein, Gabe, Cal, CBC, Jap, Abu, JMF, Dray. Troy not given medical clearance yet, while Mac still not 100% #???❤
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) February 18, 2018
In a surprise inclusion, Calvin Abueva’s hard work paid off, as he will be part of the team that will fly to Melbourne, Australia on Monday.
Abueva had been cut by the team last January after multiple absences from the team.
In addition, former De La Salle Green Archer and current Marinerong Pilipino big man Abu Tratter was also named to the team.
The inclusion of the Filipino-American was due to Troy Rosario not yet receiving his medical clearance after a hard fall last February 7. Mac Belo was also cut as he is still not at a hundred percent due to a left knee injury.
Completing the line-up are Jayson Castro, Gabe Norwood, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Andray Blatche, Roger Pogoy, Matthew Wright, Allein Maliksi, Carl Cruz, Jio Jalalon, Kiefer Ravena, and Kevin Alas.
Gilas will face Australia on Thursday, February 22. The contingent will immediately fly home afterwards, as they are set to take on Japan on Sunday, February 25, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Philippines currently boasts a 2-0 record in Group B of the Asian Qualifiers.
