Seven of the players who participated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup have been included in Team Philippines’ roster for men’s basketball at the 12th Asian Games in Hangzhou.
The lineup, as announced by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, was submitted along with those of 39 other sports or disciplines in which Filipino athletes will be competing. The Games are set to commence on September 23.
Tolentino stated that any changes to the roster would require an appeal to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.
“The deadline for the Entry by Names (EBN) was July 25, and the list submitted by each national Olympic committee is considered official,” said Tolentino.
Tolentino also confirmed that Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, both naturalized players, are eligible for the Asian Games simply by showing a valid Philippine passport.
“Only the passport,” emphasized Tolentino.
The roster from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) includes World Cup veterans Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson, Roger Pogoy, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo. Additional players on the roster are Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Brandon Rosser.
Dwight Ramos, Rhenz Abando, Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson, and AJ Edu, are not part of the Asian Games roster.
The EBN also lists Chot Reyes as the head coach and Tim Cone as the assistant coach.
The SBP and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are expected to announce the final lineup for Hangzhou on Thursday.
