Kouame back as Gilas releases 15-man pool for Fiba qualifiers

GILE–Gilas Pilipinas during the Fiba Olympic qualifying tournament. –Fiba 

MANILA, Philippines—Just days after the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone will have his hands full as the second window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers rolls on in two weeks.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Monday released the 15-man roster from which the Final 12 that will compete under Cone for Gilas in the back-to-back home games will come from.

READ: Justin Brownlee ready for Gilas duties after PBA Finals loss

Naturalize center Ange Kouame returns to the national team roster to Gilas’ forefront after recently having played for Strong Group Athletics in the 43rd William Jones Cup and for Meralco in the East Asia Super League.

The inclusion of the former Ateneo Blue Eagle could afford Cone’s resident import and naturalized swingman Justin Brownlee some rest after a tough PBA Governors’ Cup Finals battle.

FILE–Ange Kouame during Gilas Pilipinas training.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Brownlee, though, remains in the roster along with fellow Ginebra stars Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Jamie Malonzo, who missed the recently-concluded conference due to injury.

READ: Kevin Quiambao has added inspiration ahead of latest Gilas stint

Newly-minted PBA champion Calvin Oftana from TNT will also see action alongside San Miguel Beer notables June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez.

Meralco Bolts floor general Chris Newsome will man the backcourt with college stars Kevin Quiambao and Mason Amos in the foray.

Korean Basketball League revelation Carl Tamayo has also maintained his spot in the Gilas core with Japan B.League standouts Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu.

Gilas will open its second leg campaign on November 21 at Mall of Asia Arena when it faces New Zealand to try and maintain its 2-0 standing.