Belo, Ferrer lead Gilas 12 bound for Iran

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has released the final 12-man roster for the 2016 Fiba Asia Challenge Friday morning.

Gilas mainstays Mac Belo and Kevin Ferrer lead the list, as the two former cadets are expected to carry the leadership for this young crew.

Joining them are Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto, and Von Pessumal, all of whom were part of the gold medal-winning team in the 2016 Seaba Cup.

Also making their national team debuts are UST standout Ed Daquioag, La Salle center Arnold Van Opstal, Lyceum upstart Jaymar Perez, and hardworking big men Carl Bryan Cruz, Chris Javier, and Fonso Gotladera.

Blackwater’s Almond Vosotros, the lone professional player chosen to be part of the pool, and former College of St. Benilde star Jonathan Grey were the final cuts but are expected to be placed in the reserve list.

Gilas coach Josh Reyes and the team will fly to Tehran, Iran on September 6 as Gilas will hope to match or even surpass the bronze medal finish in Wuhan, China in 2014.

The Philippines is slotted in Group B, together with Chinese Taipei and India in the group stages.