Gilas Pilipinas center Kai Sotto during a game against Lebanon in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Beirut. Photo by Fiba
MANILA, Philippines–Kai Sotto leads a handful of faces set to reprise their roles for Gilas Pilipinas in an initial talent pool for the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) released on Friday night.
Joining the 7-foot-2 big man are players who suited up in the fourth window of games against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia: Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Scottie Thompson, and Japan-based pros Ray Parks Jr., Dwight Ramos, along with siblings Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena.
Also making the list are naturalized big man and UAAP Most Valuable Player Ange Kouame, and fellow varsity stars Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao.
National team veterans Poy Erram, Roger Pogoy, CJ Perez, the injured June Mar Fajardo, and first-timer Arvin Tolentino were also included in the selection from which the final roster against Jordan and Saudi Arabia will be determined.
Rounding out the pool are Will Navarro and free agent Francis Lopez.
Gilas leaves for Jeddah on Nov. 7 to play host Jordan on Nov. 10 (11 in local time). The Nationals then take on the Saudis in a rematch three days later.
The list is set to be submitted to Fiba’s Management and Administration Platform, according to the SBP.