Gilas Pilipinas has announced its 21-man pool for the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023, featuring notable players like Jordan Clarkson, Justin Brownlee, and Ange Kouame.
Clarkson, the Filipino-American guard, last played for Gilas Pilipinas during the fourth window of the World Cup Qualifiers. Kouame, a former standout from Ateneo de Manila University, represented the national team during the fifth window. Brownlee, known for his sharpshooting skills with Ginebra, last donned the national team jersey during the Southeast Asian Games' final match against Cambodia.
Although all three players are included in the pool, FIBA regulations allow only one naturalized player to be fielded by each team during the World Cup.
The Gilas pool also comprises a mix of experienced PBA veterans and overseas-based players. Among them is Kai Sotto, who recently extended his contract with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League and is also aspiring to make it to the NBA. Other B.League players in the pool include Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Jordan Heading, Thirdy Ravena, Carl Tamayo, and Ray Parks Jr.
Rhenz Abando, a key contributor to Anyang KGC's championship win in the Korean Basketball League, has also secured a spot. AJ Edu, a big man born in Cyprus, adds strength to Gilas Pilipinas' frontline for the FIBA tournament.
The pool further includes seasoned PBA players such as Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Poy Erram, June Mar Fajardo, and Calvin Oftana.
In the World Cup's group stage, the Philippines will compete against Italy, Angola, and the Dominican Republic.
Excitement is building as Gilas Pilipinas assembles a talented and diverse roster in preparation for the prestigious FIBA World Cup 2023.
But we still need to talk about the top snubs from the pool!
5. Matthew Wright - I understand that there are a lot of primary ball-handlers already in the pool. Still though, Matthew should have been part of the options knowing the level of his skills.
4. Kevin Quiambao - Kevin is young but there is also a good argument that he has the highest potential as a passer out of all eligible Gilas player above 6'7.
3. Don Trollano - He will be a guard in the International play but Don could also be the best 3-and-D guard available. He is rugged and knows how to contribute without dominating the ball.
2. Mason Amos - I do not understand why he is not part of the pool even with his size and smooth outside shot. A stretch bigman is a big need for the team and they decided not to add Amos as an option for the upcoming world cup.
1. Arvin Tolentino - The guy did well when they added him in the recent tournaments of Gilas. They also need tall 3-and-D players like him. So, why is he not part of the pool?
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