The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas released the Final 12 that will represent the country in the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge early Friday morning through its official Facebook page.
In a story first reported by Tiebreaker Times, former King Blazer and current Caida Tile Master Jonathan Grey and Blackwater Elite and Gilas Cadet team member Almond Vosotros of the Blackwater Elite were able to make the final 14 cut. However, both have been relegated to the injury reserve slot for the team but will still be with the team in its journey to Tehran, Iran according to a source closely monitoring the situation.
Grey, 24, is a gunslinger who averaged 17.59 markers and 5.29 boards per game in his final year with the College of Saint Benilde. The 6’1 guard from Binan, Laguna was able to hone his craft under the tutelage of coach Caloy Garcia with the Racal/Caida Tile Masters. He has helped lead the Tile Masters to two third place finishes in the D-League and was an MVP candidate during the Foundation Cup.
On the other hand, Almond Vosotros, 26, was the 13th overall pick in the 2015 PBA Draft. The 5’10 combo guard only played in 12 games for the Elite but is a two-time SEABA Cup champion and a SEA Games gold medalist.
The Final 12 are as follows:
Belo, Rey Mark (PBA D-League: Phoenix Accelerators)
Cruz, Carl Bryan (PBA D-League: Cafe France Bakers)
Daquioag, Eduardo Jr. (PBA D-League: Phoenix Accelerators)
Escoto, Russel (PBA D-League: Phoenix Accelerators)
Ferrer, Kevin (PBA D-League: Tanduay Rhum Masers)
Gotladera, Alfonzo (PBA D-League: Tanduay Rhum Masters)
Javier, Christopher Joyce (PBA D-League: Racal Tile Masters)
Perez, Jaymar (NCAA: Lyceum Pirates)
Pessumal, Von Rolfe (No current club team)
Pogoy, Roger Ray (PBA D-League: Phoenix Accelerators)
Tolomia, Cris Michael (PBA D-League: Phoenix Accelerators)
Van Opstal, Arnold (No current club team)
Josh Reyes will mentor the young team and will hold its first full practice Friday evening at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
The 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge is the first qualification tournament for the FIBA Asia Cup. It will be held from September 9-18.
