Andy Gemao, Gilas boys gun for Fiba U19 World Cup berth

Gilas Pilipinas’ Andy Gemao during a game against Indonesia in the Seaba qualifiers in Malaysia.–Photo from Malaysia Basketball Association

MANILA, Philippines — Andy Gemao and the Gilas Pilipinas Boys are gunning for a spot in the World Cup next year when they compete in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup from September 2 to 9 in Amman, Jordan.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Wednesday unveiled the Gilas U18 team roster, led by the Letran Squire, who won the NCAA title and Finals MVP.

Gemao will be teaming up with Marc Daniel Burgos, Nicolash Lorenzo, John Earl Medina, Wilhalm Cabonilas, Charles Esteban, Kurl Figueroa and Joaquin Ludovice, Allen Perez, Carl Manding, Jericho Santos, and Mark Esperanza under coach Josh Reyes.

Gilas is slated in Group D with Indonesia, host Jordan, and New Zealand. It needs to top its group for an outright quarterfinal berth. The No.2 and 3 teams will have to fight in the playoffs for the four remaining slots in the Top 8.

The Philippines, which is World No.25, opens its campaign against Indonesia (73) on September 2 before facing Jordan (51) on September 4 and New Zealand (27) on September 6.

Gemao and the Gilas Boys ruled the SEABA qualifiers after beating Indonesia, 87-64, in the final to qualify for the Asia Cup.

The semifinalists will qualify for the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland next year. 

Gilas U16 team competed in the FIBA U17 World Cup held in Turkey last July.