Gilas Pilipinas Men’s 13-man pool for the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers definitely lacks big men.
In the pool, only Kai Sotto, Japeth Aguilar, and Carl Tamayo are centers or power forwards.
Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang had to beg off as he is still banged up from their campaign in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup.
Meanwhile, Meralco’s Raymond Almazan also had to beg off. But it was for a reason that is very, very personal.
According to Gilas assistant coach Tim Cone, the 33-year-old native of Orion, Bataan is taking care of his son.
“Raymond was super excited to join but had to beg off due to family issues regarding the health of his son,” read Cone’s tweet to Twitter personality PBA Insider.
Definitely, Almazan would have made the top 12 if he committed to Gilas, said Cone.
After all, Almazan already has so much experience with the national team, including playing for Gilas in the 2019 World Cup.
“He certainly would have made the 12.”
