PROFILES: Gilas Pilipinas Final 12 for Fiba Olympic Qualifiers

Battles are won with the most valiant soldiers.

When the Philippines takes a shot at playing in the grandest sporting stage in the world, these players will go war against the toughest opponents with millions of Filipinos rallying behind them.

They face some of the world’s best in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying tournament, the country’s last chance to make the Rio Olympics, in July but for these Gilas Pilipinas standouts, no adversity is greater than their heart.

After months of training and careful deliberation from the coaching staff, 12 players have made to the line up for the country’s last shot at the Olympic slot.

Here’s a look at the last men standing for the PH national team.

(Words by Mark Giongco; Graphics by Tristan Tamayo)