Impressive rookies Perez, Bolick make Gilas final 12 for Fiba World Cup

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Sunday announced Gilas Pilipinas’ final 12-man lineup for the 2019 Fiba World Cup in China.

The SBP released the roster following Gilas’ 85-75 loss to the Adelaide 36ers in their second tune-up game at Meralco Gym.

Center Poy Erram and sharpshooting swingman Matthew Wright, who are both nursing injuries, as well as veteran big man Beau Belga were the last players cut from the pool.

Erram is sidelined with a right ankle sprain  while Wright is still recovering from a right peroneal tendon sprain.

Leading the way for Gilas are Andray Blatche and reigning five-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo.

Young guns CJ Perez and Robert Bolick, who impressed in all of Gilas’ scrimmages including the ones in the Spain training camp made the cut.

Kiefer Ravena, who just returned from an 18-month suspension, also made it.

Rounding out the squad are captain Gabe Norwood, Mark Barroca, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, Paul Lee and Raymond Almazan.

“These are the 12 gallant men who will fight for flag and country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China but they would not have gotten this opportunity if it were not for the sacrifices of all the players, coaches, and staff that helped along the way throughout the FIBA Asian Qualifiers,” said SBP president Al Panlilio in a statement.

“This is your Gilas Pilipinas and they’ll do their best to represent the 100 million Filipinos and promote the Philippine brand of basketball on the world stage.”

National team head coach Yeng Guiao said he wants the full Gilas pool to travel with the team in China for the tournament.

“I recommend that they include the whole pool for effort that they put in, the support they gave,” said Guiao.