Gilas 5.0 roster finalized for FIBA Asia Challenge
Manila (2016 FIBA Asia Challenge) - The Philippines’ 12-man roster for the FIBA Asia Challenge that will be played in Tehran Iran from 9-18 September has been released.
MANILA (2016 FIBA Asia Challenge) - The Philippines’ 12-man roster for the FIBA Asia Challenge that will be played in Tehran Iran from 9-18 September has been released.
Longtime teammates Mark Belo and Kevin Ferrer, who both saw action in the SEABA Stankovic Cup in May, headline Josh Reyes’ all amateur standouts.
They are joined on the list by 2016 SEABA Stankovic Cup teammates Mike Tolomia, Von Pessumal, RR Pogoy and Russell Escoto.
| Philippines 12-player roster for FIBA Asia Challenge | |||
| Mark Belo | Kevi Ferrer | Mike Tolomia | Von Pessumal |
| RR Pogoy | Russel Escoto | Jaymar Perez | Christopher Javier |
| Carl Cruz | Arnold van Opstal |
Alfonzo Gotladera |
Ed Daquioag |
"It's a tough decision. We didn't have much preparation time. I got the players who are already familiar with the system.”
"This lineup is only for the FIBA Challenge in Iran, we really had to create a team and form a pool of available players for September because we have to compete in this tournament," Reyes explained.
The group however lacks Kiefer Ravena, and Gilas 4.0-member Bobby Ray Parks, who are both hoping to land in the NBA. Another former Gilas Cadet, Jiovani Jalalon also pulled out few days ago due to commitments with the Arellano Chiefs.
The Philippines will tip-off their FIBA Asia Challenge campaign against South Asia’s India on September 9 before clashing with 2014 FIBA Asia Cup finalists Chinese Taipei two days later.
The top five teams in the FIBA Asia Challenge will earn for their respective sub-zones an extra berth in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup (formerly the FIBA Asia Championship).
FIBA