By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Gilas Pilipinas has finalized its 12-man lineup for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, with Bacolodnon big man Justin Chua leading the four latest additions.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirmed that Chua, along with Cedrick Manzano, Allen Liwag and Dalph Panopio, will fill the remaining slots on the national team.

Chua, 36 years old, brings championship pedigree and leadership to the squad.

The seasoned center was part of Ateneo’s historic UAAP five-peat under coach Norman Black — the same mentor now steering the SEA Games-bound Gilas side.

His inclusion provides much-needed experience and stability to a roster reshaped by eligibility setbacks.

Panopio, Manzano and Liwag, meanwhile, will be making their debuts with the senior men’s national team.

The quartet joins Gilas mainstays Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Robert Bolick, Jamie Malonzo, Matthew Wright, Von Pessumal, Abu Tratter, and Veejay Pre.

The roster completion comes a week after several players, including Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame, were ruled ineligible for the 5×5 tournament — prompting a recalibration of the lineup.

“After a tedious back and forth due to initially unclear and constantly changing rules in player eligibility, we at the SBP have submitted this list to the local organizing committee, and it has been vetted and has undergone pre-approvals,” the SBP said.

The federation also expressed gratitude to the PBA, UAAP, NCAA, and Japan B.League for releasing their players for national duty.

Gilas will chase the country’s 20th men’s basketball gold in the biennial meet./ASC, WDJ