After facing Jordan twice, Gilas Pilipinas will welcome a new team, as they face Lebanon in another tune-up game this Friday evening at the Epsilon Chi Center in the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
Gilas will look to carry their momentum from last Wednesday, when they downed Jordan, 82-73. The win came by default, however, as the game was called off due to the spat between Yeng Guiao and Joseph Stiebing.
Fourteen men will suit up in the friendly, including Paul Lee, who did not see action in their first two tune-ups as he was recovering from a knee injury.
Gilas Cadet and UP Fighting Maroon Ricci Rivero is also making his return to the lineup after not being included in Wednesday’s game, as well as the TNT KaTropa tandem of Jayson Castro and Troy Rosario.
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and LA Tenorio and San Miguel Beermen stars Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos, and four-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo are also in.
Completing the cast are Matthew Wright, Poy Erram, and Stanley Pringle.
Not in the friendly are Alex Cabagnot, Christian Standhardinger, Beau Belga, Ian Sangalang, Gabe Norwood; and Ateneo Blue Eaglets star Kai Sotto, who had just returned to Gilas practices on Thursday after focusing on his exams this week.
On the other hand, Lebanon brought its full force. They are coached by Slobodan Subotic.
The Philippines is currently 5-3 in Group F of the Asian Qualifiers, while Lebanon sits second with a 6-2 slate in Group E.
