Predicting the Final 12 of Team Pilipinas for the 5th Window

(c) PBA Media Bureau

The fifth window of the 2019 Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers will start this Friday against Kazakhstan.

The pool is now down to 19 players after Ian Sangalang decided to remove his name because of lingering pains that he was experiencing and his preparation for the upcoming Governors Cup finals.

Knowing that the game is three days away, coach Yeng is bound to announce his decision on the final 12.

So, who will be the 12 that coach Yeng will choose to face the guard-heavy Kazakhstan?

FRONTLINE: Greg Slaughter, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Beau Belga
Fajardo and Aguilar are no-brainers. Fajardo is the best player in the Philippines today. Japeth is the most athletic giant in the country. Both are vital on the frontline rotation of our national team.


I think coach Yeng will not say no in partnering Greg with June Mar. Although spacing will be tight, the size of the two could be a game-changer in a game.

Belga's ability to hit 3 and his familiarity with the coach Yeng's scheme will push him for the final frontline spot.

WING: Marcio Lassiter, Matthew Wright, Gabe Norwood, Arwind Santos
If you haven't noticed, coach Yeng is a big fan of Lassiter and Wright. Or to be more specific, he is a fan of great shooters. Do not be shocked if you see a lot of Lassiter and Wright playing together in the court to maximize the space that they can create.

Gabe's defense and familiarity with coach Yeng should be enough for him to get a spot. Arwind's versatility and athleticism will be a good part of the wing rotation.

BACKCOURT: Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio, Alex Cabagnot, Scottie Thompson
Yes. I think coach Yeng will choose Pringle over Christian Standhardinger. This is due to two reasons.

First, Kazakhstan is a guard-heavy team so the size and athleticism of Pringle in the backcourt could be more important than what Standhardinger will bring in the frontline.

Second, Jayson Castro is still not eligible to play. Someone needs to take his role. In the system of coach Yeng, the lead guard is the most important role.

Tenorio and Cabagnot are veteran playmakers that coach Yeng usually used in his scheme. He usually has two playmaking guards in the court so having the two will be good.

I think coach Yeng will choose to cut Lee because of the upcoming finals.

Lastly, knowing that we will be playing two home games, it is just right to choose and provide minutes to the "current" face of Ginebra who can easily boost the crowd.