LUCKY 13 for Gilas Pilipinas?
Out for redemption, national coach Chot Reyes opted to field in a 13-man squad made up mostly of pro league stars for their match against Lebanon in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director and spokesperson Sonny Barrios yesterday announced the roster bannered by Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson and prized 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto that also includes reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson and Ginebra teammate Japeth Aguilar.
Also tapped were Calvin Oftana of NLEX, Japan B. League imports Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Dwight Ramos, and University of the Philippines standout Carl Tamayo.
Making their debut for Gilas are NorthPort’s Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome of Meralco, and free agent Roosevelt Adams.
“We observed and evaluated what is the best mix for the Lebanon trip. That’s our consideration there. They’re not necessarily the best players in the country, but they’re the best team to play against Lebanon based on the available players,” Barrios said in the online Philippine Sportswriters Association forum.
“This is the best combination base sa pagsusuri at pag-aaral ng ating coaching staff,” he added.
The Filipino cagers clash with the Cedars on Friday in Beirut.
The final 12-man line-up will be submitted by the SBP on the eve of the tiff.
Gilas will also tangle with Saudi Arabia three days later at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Barrios said Reyes may or may not tweak the line-up against Saudi Arabia in a game that will have Clarkson playing on local soil for the first time.
Carrying a 2-2 mark, Barrios admitted the Philippine five’s resolve will be tested by Lebanon.
“Mabigat iyong Lebanon, but we are confident that we will play well. Siguradong lalaban tayo,” Barrios said in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Unilever, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. “So, ipagdasal natin ang kanilang safety and well-being. We pray for victory, God willing.”
Gilas wound up ninth and missed the quarterfinals of the FIBA Asia Cup last month in Jakarta for the first time since 2007.
With Reyes also calling the shots, the team failed to win the gold that matters most to Filipinos in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam last May.