The 12 players that will represent the hastily-formed Gilas Pilipinas for the 2018 Asian Games were named by head coach Yeng Guiao, Friday evening at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
Headlining the team according to Guiao is Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson.
“We put Jordan there since we want to make sure there’s a lot for him. We’re still working on the requirements and the procedures and the permits,” said Guiao. “SBP officials and other concerned people are working hard to try and get him to play for the team.
“Wala pang maliwanag but nilagay na namin siya sa line up to make sure that if all those requirements are complied with, he has a spot in the team,” he added.
Shoo-ins for the team are the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters core of Gabe Norwood, Chris Tiu, Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan, James Yap, and Maverick Ahanmisi made the cut.
Completing the Rain or Shine reunion is Paul Lee.
Asi Taulava, Christian Standhardinger, and Poy Erram complete the frontline
Not making the cut are Ricci Rivero and Don Trollano.
The Philippines is pooled in Group D of the continental meet together with China and Kazakhstan. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout playoffs.
Back in 2014, the Philippines finished in seventh place even after the team just finished its campaign in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
