The 15-man pool for Gilas Pilipinas’ second window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers is stacked with talent, experience, and promise. Facing powerhouse New Zealand (Feb. 26 at home) and Australia (March 1), Coach Tim Cone must trim it to the FIBA-maximum 12. This decision isn’t just about the next two games — it’s about honoring Cone’s proven system, maximizing immediate competitiveness, and securing long-term success for Philippine basketball.
Under Cone, Gilas has turned a corner. His emphasis on the triangle offense — rooted in ball movement, spacing, cutting, reading defenses, and selfless play — has delivered structure, discipline, and breakthrough moments. Whether it was the historic Asian Games gold or gritty qualifiers wins, Cone’s “system-over-stars” philosophy has shown that versatile, high-IQ players who buy into roles outperform raw talent. The triangle rewards passers, defenders, and multi-positional threats while punishing one-dimensional scorers or players who struggle with timing and trust.
With that in mind, here’s a position-by-position breakdown and my recommendation for the three players to cut.
Guards (5 in pool → aim for 4)
- Must-keep: Scottie Thompson (floor general, energy, leadership — perfect triangle initiator at 32), Rhon Jhay Abarrientos (young shooter/playmaker), Juan Gomez de Liano (explosive scorer with vision), Chris Newsome (veteran wing defender who can handle the ball and guard multiple spots).
- Cut candidate: CJay Perez.
Perez is a dynamic scorer and athlete, but the triangle rarely features isolation-heavy plays. With Thompson, Abarrientos, and Gomez de Liano already providing scoring punch and playmaking, plus Newsome’s versatility, Perez’s skill set overlaps without adding unique defensive or systemic value that Cone’s offense demands.
Wings/Forwards (6 in pool → aim for 5)
- Must-keep: Justin Brownlee (the naturalized anchor, still the best all-around player), Dwight Ramos (B.League athleticism and defense — ideal triangle cutter), Calvin Oftana (shooting and versatility), Carl Tamayo (young, athletic, high-upside), Kevin Quiambao (rising star with size, skill, and motor).
- Cut candidate: Troy Rosario.
Rosario is a reliable veteran with stretch-big ability, but at this stage, Tamayo, Quiambao, and Oftana offer younger legs, better athleticism, and higher long-term ceilings. Cone’s system thrives on players who can switch, cut hard, and defend at the wing — the young trio does that while allowing Gilas to build for the next Olympic cycle and beyond.
Bigs (4 in pool → aim for 3)
- Must-keep: June Mar Fajardo (still the best post presence and anchor when healthy), AJ Edu (B.League rim protection and mobility — perfect modern big for the triangle), Quentin Millora-Brown (size, athleticism, and now confirmed availability — adds immediate frontcourt depth and physicality against NZ/Aus).
- Cut candidate: Justine Baltazar.
Baltazar is a skilled, high-IQ big who can pass and stretch the floor — he’s a future piece. But with Fajardo, Edu, and QMB already giving three different looks (veteran dominance, athletic protection, and size/athleticism), Baltazar becomes the luxury item in a 12-man roster. Keeping him would mean sacrificing a more impactful wing or guard for this specific window against bigger, more physical opponents.
Final Recommended 12-Man Roster
- Justin Brownlee
- Scottie Thompson
- Dwight Ramos
- Rhon Jhay Abarrientos
- Juan Gomez de Liano
- Chris Newsome
- Calvin Oftana
- Carl Tamayo
- Kevin Quiambao
- June Mar Fajardo
- AJ Edu
- Quentin Millora-Brown
The three cuts: CJay Perez, Troy Rosario, and Justine Baltazar.
This group perfectly balances:
- Cone’s system — High basketball IQ, versatile defenders, willing passers, and players who understand roles.
- Immediate success — Enough size to battle NZ and Australia inside, enough shooting and athleticism to run the triangle effectively, and Brownlee/Fajardo as the veteran pillars.
- Future impact — Every young star (Ramos 26, Edu ~25, Abarrientos/Gomez de Liano ~26, Tamayo/Quiambao early-20s) stays in the mix, ensuring continuity as Brownlee and Fajardo eventually transition.
Cone has repeatedly said he wants a compact, trusting group that lives the triangle every possession. These three cuts give him exactly that — without sacrificing the hunger, youth, and chemistry that have defined Gilas’ resurgence under his watch.
Para sa Bayan. Let’s trust the system, trust Coach Cone, and go get those crucial wins.
What’s your take? Who would you cut instead? Drop your lineup in the comments — let’s debate like true hoops fans.
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