Gilas squad named for tomorrow’s game against Australia

By Paulo Loreto Lim

Philippine national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes announced over the weekend, via twitter, the official squad is set to take on Australia in their upcoming 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying game at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne tomorrow, February 22.

Among those making the roster include Jayson Castro, Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas, Jio Jalalon, RR Pogoy, Matt Wright, Allein Maliksi, Gabe Norwood, Calvin Abueva, Carl Cruz, Japeth Aguilar, Abu Tratter, Junemar Fajardo, and Andray Blatche.

The team has since left for Australia last Monday.

Blatche made headlines earlier this month after it was revealed the 6’11” center returned to Gilas training after being released by Chinese Basketball Association team Xinjiang Flying Tigers.

The Philippines is currently second in Group B, behind Australia, who is tied on points but carry a superior point differential.

Gilas Pilipinas have already notched two wins in their FIBA Asia campaign, beating Japan and Taiwan in their prior outings.

The top three teams in the group advance to the second qualifying round to vie for a spot in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, which is set to take place in China next year, from August 31 to September 15./PLL, WDJ