Gilas Pilipinas’ Rhenz Abando. –FIBA BASKETBALL
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas has been given the green light by Fiba to field in Rhenz Abando as replacement for Dwight Ramos in the Fiba Asia Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced Abando’s official inclusion on the team on Tuesday.
According to the SBP, Gilas’ request was approved Monday night during the Fiba Asia Cup technical meeting.
Ramos was ruled out of the continental championship on Sunday due to a shin injury.
Abando, the former University of Santo Tomas star who transferred to Letran, made a good account of himself in his first few games for the national team.
The 24-year-old Abando suited up for Gilas in the third window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Headlining the Philippines’ 12-man team for the Asia Cup are Kiefer Ravena, Ray Parks and Carl Tamayo.
Thirdy Ravena, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Will Navarro, Francis Lopez, Geo Chiu, Kevin Quiambao and Poy Erram complete the squad.
The Nationals begin their campaign against Lebanon on Wednesday, 9 p.m.