Gilas Debate: Who should be the Final 12 for the 2023 FIBA World Cup?

 

It is time for us to give our Final 12 for the 2023 FIBA World Cup!

Bigs:
Kai Sotto
Junemar Fajardo
AJ Edu
Japeth Aguilar

I think the four bigs should be shoo-in unless Kai Sotto will not be healthy. There could be more of a discussion to reduce the number to 3 if we have a big forward in the pool like a Justin Baltazar. We do not have. So, all of them will be part of the squad.

Forwards:
Jamie Malonzo
Calvin Oftana

This position was the biggest reason why the short Gilas pool was a mistake. Guys like Justine Baltazar and Troy Rosario should have been included. Malonzo though is a crucial piece in the puzzle of our national team. I am really hoping that he will deliver his best performance.

Wings:
Dwight Ramos
Bobby Ray Parks
For our wing position, it boils down to Dwight and Bobby. Actually, if you look at the remaining players in the pool, they are the only two in the 6'3 to 6'4 range. Both are crucial for our defense as they will surely be our main lockdown defenders.

Point Guards:
Jordan Clarkson
Scottie Thompson
CJ Perez
Chris Newsome

Believe it or not but CJ is included not because of his passing and scoring but more about his athleticism and defense. The last spot boils down to Newsome, Abando and Pogoy. Abando should be considered because of his success in Korea but his defense is not compact enough to be trusted. At the end of the day, defense decided this one and in International play, I trust Newsome more.