Reyes finalizes Philippines pool for FIBA Asia Cup 2017

MANILA (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - The 24 names comprising the Philippines pool for the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 have been revealed by head coach Chot Reyes.

Naturalized player Andray Blatche and two-time All-Star Five member Jayson Castro are the biggest names in the pool, which also features many players from the squad that swept the recent SEABA Championship 2017.

A number of players from last year's Gilas Cadets team that played in the FIBA Asia Challenge 2016 were also called up, led by scoring machine Mac Belo. Two participants at the recent FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2017 were also named: high-flyer Kobe Paras and crafty guard Kiefer Ravena.

Perhaps the name that drew the most surprised reactions, however, was that of Gabe Norwood. The 1.96m wingman supposedly already retired from international play after the FIBA OQT 2016, but his return to the pool may mean that the national team is in dire need of a veteran presence to temper their youth and inexperience.

It is unclear, though, if some PBA teams are willing to release their players to the national pool as was agreed upon with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). If these PBA teams choose to withhold their players from being part of the pool, the depth and size of Gilas Pilipinas will take a huge hit, putting even more pressure on coach Chot to put forth a highly competitive unit.

He will take many of the players in this pool to Chinese Taipei later this week for the 39th William Jones Cup before trimming down the group to the final 12 players who will go to Beirut, Lebanon for the FIBA Asia Cup 2017. The Philippines are in the same group as Qatar, Iraq and defending champions China.

FIBA