Just a couple of days before the Philippines Men’s National Team or Gilas Pilipinas kicks it off in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023 group play, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) revealed the team’s final 12-man roster.
Gilas Pilipinas’ final 12-man lineup revealed
The Philippines will be represented by 12 of the most talented and skilled Filipino basketball players. Here’s the complete lineup:
- Jordan Clarkson (G)
- Kai Sotto (C)
- Dwight Ramos (G/F)
- AJ Edu (F/C)
- June Mar Fajardo (C)
- Japeth Aguilar (F/C)
- CJ Perez (G)
- Jamie Malonzo (F)
- RR Pogoy (G/F)
- Kiefer Ravena (G)
- Scottie Thompson (G)
https://twitter.com/sportsdeskph/status/1694279221776937429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1694279221776937429%7Ctwgr%5E51ce9a6575e7dc51155ca87b8f58cd55be2e4e93%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnnphilippines.com%2Fsports%2F2023%2F8%2F23%2FGilas-Pilipinas-final-12-man-lineup-FIBA-World-Cup.html
As expected, Gilas Pilipinas leaned heavily on big men. As such, the towering Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, and Japeth Aguilar were selected for the final roster. Obviously, Jordan Clarkson would be an automatic lock to the final lineup. Meanwhile, the young pillars of Gilas Pilipinas such as Dwight Ramos and Kiefer Ravena also made the cut. Unfortunately, players like Chris Newsome, Thirdy Ravena, Calvin Oftana, and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. did not make the team. Can Gilas Pilipinas’ final roster fair well against other teams on the international stage? Let’s break down how good (or bad) this lineup is.
Height and Size
So far, this new Gilas Pilipinas is probably the tallest lineup in Philippine history. With an average player height of 6 feet and 5 inches, it sure sounds like this team can manage their own against taller opponents. In addition to that, there is no player in the team listed below 6’0”.
You just love to see it! 🤩
From their Gilas Youth days to reppin’ the Gilas Pilipinas together, Kaiju and AJ Edu have truly come a long way! 💯🇵🇭 #FIBAWC #WinForAll #WinForPilipinas
📸@FIBA pic.twitter.com/qdbw5PnAvb
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 23, 2023
As cliche as it may sound, height can never be taught. The towers of Gilas Pilipinas are a great opportunity for the team to hold their ground against Italy, the Dominican Republic, and Angola.
Talent and Skill
Being selected in the final lineup basically means you are one of the best in the country. However, as head coach Chot Reyes said, it’s about who’s “fit” to the team. Talented players like Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Calvin Oftana are both great two-way players, but Reyes and SBP chose to have Kiefer Ravena’s playmaking ability. Everyone on this team is extremely talented, but it’s pretty self-explanatory to select the player who better fits the Gilas Pilipinas system.
Experience
PBA veterans June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar are heading into their third consecutive FIBA World Cup stint. They’ve had great outings in the past and this experience is valuable for their upcoming games. On the other hand, other members of the team aren’t also new to the international stage. This squad has five guys who play overseas (i.e. Sotto, Ramos, Edu, Abando, Ravena) while they also managed to add the NBA 2021 6th man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson, as a naturalized player.
Coaching
Chot Reyes is back for the second time and he will be assisted by Tim Cone, Jong Uichico, and his son Josh. However, Filipinos have long been questioning coach Chot’s decision-making, especially his option to constantly pick Kiefer Ravena. Although this is ultimately based on “who’s the better fit”, fans can’t stop wondering about this somewhat controversial move. Add that to his son, Josh Reyes, joining the coaching staff, it’s not unusual for pundits to question his decisions.
Chemistry
Despite the fact that most of these guys have played with each other for quite some time, we can’t take away issues regarding the team’s chemistry.
Jordan Clarkson splashes it home during a halfcourt shooting contest as Gilas Pilipinas wraps up its practice at the PhilSports Arena.
The Filipinos have three days left before their FIBA World Cup opener against Dominican Republic on August 25.#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/hGiwkl4qLc
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) August 22, 2023
It only took Gilas Pilipinas about a few weeks to mesh with each other. Moreover, Kai Sotto and Jordan Clarkson just joined the team last week. As morbid as it may sound, Gilas doesn’t seem to be as prepared as Italy’s Azzure.
Gilas Pilipinas matchups in the FIBA World Cup 2023 Group Stage
August 25: Gilas Pilipinas vs Dominican Republic
Before facing their biggest opponent in the Group stage, Gilas Pilipinas must first win an exciting matchup against the Dominican Republic (ranked No.23). A team led by NBA superstar Karl-Anthony Towns, the Dominicana isn’t going to be an easy game for the Philippines.
According to Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, the National team is focused on their first outing in the FIBA World Cup. “Italy is Italy. We all know the quality of that team. Fortunately, they are our third game. So right now, our concern is the Dominican Republic. A lot of our efforts are really poured into preparing for the Dominican Republic and Angola,” said Reyes.
1st game of Gilas Pilipinas will be against Dominican Republic with Karl-Anthony Towns on August 25 at the Philippine Arena.
Ticket details here: https://t.co/IOJIYhjtqS pic.twitter.com/puWllChy4L
— Gilas Pilipinas (@smartgilasph) August 15, 2023
Gilas has less than two weeks to prepare before the bout against Dominican Republic which will take place on August 25. Furthermore, the game will be played at the Philippine Arena (Bocaue, Bulacan) which can seat about 55,000 people.
August 27: Gilas Pilipinas vs Angola
It’s already hard enough for the Philippines to take on the higher-ranked Dominican Republic, but they should be unfazed. Their second matchup is a nation that is ranked 41 in the world, Angola. Take note, the Philippines is just put a bit higher at 40. Another NBA big man is leading Angola, Atlanta Hawks center Bruno Fernando, and could be a problem for the Filipino bigs.
Gilas Pilipinas looks to avenge the heartbreaking overtime loss back in 2019 as they go up against Angola in Group A!#FIBAWC #WinForAll#WinForPilipinas#WinForAngola pic.twitter.com/guvjfwf4Fm
— Puso Pilipinas (@puso_pilipinas) August 11, 2023
If Gilas is aiming to reach the Olympics, they must win their first two matchups (i.e. Dominican and Angola) because their final opponent will probably be the hardest. Gilas Pilipinas will take on the Angolans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on August 27.
August 29: Gilas Pilipinas vs Italy
Gilas Pilipinas will conclude their FIBA World Cup Group stage event with a toe-to-toe battle with one of the best European teams – Italy. Right now, the Italians are ranked 10th worldwide, just behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece. Despite Paolo Banchero’s decision to play for the USA instead of Italy, this team is still a formidable foe, especially for the Filipinos.
BLUE BATTLE
Gilas Pilipinas seeks a redemption win against the Italians on August 29th at the Araneta Coliseum.
Watch the action LIVE by getting tour tickets via https://t.co/C93SagDjdc and all Ticketnet outlets nationwide! #FIBAWC #WinForAll#WinForPilipinas#WinForItalia pic.twitter.com/LuwkfmjTEB
— SBP (@officialSBPinc) August 17, 2023
Italy’s National team, Azzurri, is spearheaded by players who have NBA-caliber talents like Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio and former NBA players Luigi Datome, and Nicolo Melli. This game will be played in Araneta Coliseum on August 29.
Gilas Pilipinas FIBA World Cup 2023 Group Stage tickets
Tickets are now available for Gilas Pilipinas’ group play games. To book tickets, follow these links:
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