Gilas Pilipinas has finally revealed its final lineup for the FIBA World Cup.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio confirmed on Wednesday that Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Rhenz Abando, RR Pogoy, AJ Edu, CJ Perez, and Kiefer Ravena make up Gilas’ active roster for the said tournament.
This means Chris Newsome is the last guy who missed the cut.
The said players were still in practice on Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig and a team pictorial at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Already cut from the final lineup are Ray-Ray Parks and Thirdy Ravena, who did not see action in Gilas’ three closed-door tune-up games against Ivory Coast, Montenegro and Mexico, and Calvin Oftana, who was absent in Gilas’ Tuesday practice.
Clarkson ‘big addition’ for Gilas
Clarkson leads Gilas’ FIBA World Cup lineup being its biggest name.
Filipino-American coach Erik Spoelstra believes the Utah Jazz shooting guard is a game-changer for Gilas as they look to be the top Asian finisher in the World Cup to get an outright Paris Olympics spot.
“He’s definitely a big addition for sure without a doubt,” the Miami Heat head coach, part of Team USA’s coaching staff for the FIBA World Cup, said after he conducted a basketball clinic for young Filipino ballers at Kerry Sports Manila in Taguig.
Spoelstra added, “Having a proven guy definitely helps.”
Clarkson is expected to carry much of Gilas’ offensive load in the FIBA World Cup beginning Friday against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. (PNA)
