By: Miguel Caramoan
After all the hurdles, Gilas Pilipinas Men are still set to form a formidable squad for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games based on the athletes registry released by the Philippine Olympic Committee on Thursday.
Answering the call of duty are four standouts ready to help the Philippines claim its 20th gold medal in the regional meet.
Justin Chua, Dalph Panopio, Cedrick Manzano, and Allen Liwag will complete the men’s national basketball team for the competition, scheduled from December 9 to 20 in Thailand.
Chua, a 36-year-old stretch big man, was part of Norman Black’s Ateneo team that achieved a ‘five-peat’ from UAAP seasons 71-75.
The 6-foot-6 center is currently a restricted free agent with his rights remaining with Blackwater.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Panopio will make his first national team appearance since the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in 2019.
The 6-foot-1 floor general currently plays for Blackwater.
Completing the new additions are collegiate standouts Manzano and Liwag, both making their first appearances with the national team.
Manzano, a 6-foot-5 bruiser from Cajidiocan, Romblon, finished his collegiate career at Adamson University with averages of 11.71 points, 7.14 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.21 steals per game.
Liwag, the 6-foot-6 former NCAA Most Valuable Player, is currently in the midst of the Final Four with College of Saint Benilde.
But with the country calling, the Blazers have agreed to lend him to the national team.
Also rounding out the squad are Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Robert Bolick, Jamie Malonzo, Matthew Wright, Von Pessumal, Abu Tratter, and Veejay Pre.
