Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Sotto, Edu surrounded by floor spacers in U19 World Cup


The tallest Philippine Men’s Under-19 National Basketball Team will enter the final stage of their youth basketball career come June 30.

Headlining the squad is the twin tower combination of Kai Sotto and AJ Edu.

The two were instrumental in the Philippines’ campaign in the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup last year. Edu averaged 14.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks, while Sotto tallied norms of 12.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Carl Tamayo and Geo Chiu, who stand at 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8 respectively, complete the Philippines’ tall frontcourt.

Dalph Panopio, who averaged 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists during the Asia Cup, will spearhead the backcourt.

Joining him are holdovers Dave Ildefonso, Rhayyan Amsali, Xyrus Torres, Miguel Oczon, and Gerry Abadiano.

Terrence Fortea will make his return to the national team, while James Spencer makes his debut.

The two cuts were 6-foot-4 forward Joshua Ramirez and 6-foot-5 power forward Bismarck Lina.

Coaching the squad is Sandy Arespacochaga, who tapped Charles Tiu, Ryan Betia, and JB Sison.

The Philippines opens its campaign against Greece on June 30 at 1:30 am. They will then face Argentina on July 1 at 1:00 am, before closing out their first round campaign against Russia on July 3 at 1:30 am.

All teams will advance to the next round.

This will be the Philippines’ first appearance in the youth tourney in 40 years.

#ReadMore  Hoop Nut: Six bold predictions for the UAAP 85 MBB Finals
Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

University of the Philippines pulled off a strong fourth-quarter surge to defeat National University, 85–73, in the Balangay Festival 2025 Invitational Game on Sunday...

Basketball

Carl Tamayo made sure Changwon LG Sakers stayed on the right side of history. The Sakers avoided becoming just the third professional basketball team...

Basketball

As Gilas Pilipinas braces for the grueling journey toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the potential return of 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto looms large...

Basketball

Xyrus Torres gave all the credit to a solid support system after overcoming what had been an emotional roller-coaster personally to help NLEX escape...

Basketball

Xyrus Torres nailed the haymaker to help NLEX kill the comeback hopes of Barangay Ginebra, 89-86, for its fourth straight win in the PBA...

Basketball

Ginebra is giving LA Tenorio all the time he needs to prepare Gilas Pilipinas Boys for the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers later...

Basketball

Much of the attention was inevitably on TNT and its quest for a rare Grand Slam feat, but NLEX refused to become a mere...

Basketball

Gilas Boys’ road to the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship begins in Pampanga. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced on Monday that Pampanga will host...

Advertisement