Gilas Pilipinas’ Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos. –FIBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena banner the Gilas Pilipinas’ training pool for the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on June 30 and July 3.
Gilas team manager Butch Antonio bared the initial 18-man cut of the men’s national basketball team composed of collegiate stars.
The national basketball team battles New Zealand in Auckland on June 30 and will host India at Mall of Asia Arena on July 3.
Japan B.League imports Ramos and Ravena headlined the pool, which also has naturalized center Ange Kouame and fellow cadets Will Navarro, Francis Lopez, Carl Tamayo, Geo Chiu, Dave Ildefonso, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, and Justine Baltazar.
NCAA rookie MVP Rhenz Abando of Letran was also called up along with UAAP champion James Spencer of University of the Philippines, La Salle incoming freshman Kevin Quiambao, and University of Santo Tomas’ Sherwin Concepcion.
UP star Ricci Rivero, Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Allen Liwag, and Caelum Harris were also part of the pool.
Antonio said the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff may still add more players in their preparation for the third window.
“Other players may be added as deemed necessary by the national coaching staff in preparation for the game vs NZ on June 29 & India on July 3,” he said.
The men’s national basketball team will also compete in the Fiba Asia Cup in Jakarta from July 12 to 24.