Only three PBA regulars and naturalized player Marcus Douthit will form the nucleus of the Smart Gilas national team that will compete in the tough Dubai International tournament next month as the country starts its buildup for the 2012 Fiba Asia championship.
Coach Chot Reyes was able to tap only KG Canaleta of Air21 Express, Ronjay Buenafe and Jay-R Reyes of the Meralco Bolts with the other previous PBA stars of the Gilas five unavailable for various reasons and the prospects from Petron Blaze again snubbing the call to represent the country.
Completing the lineup are Gilas cadet players Greg Slaughter, Kevin Alas, RR Garcia, Jake Pascual, Garvo Lanete, Ronald Pascual, Matt Ganuelas and Fil-Am newcomer Justin Melton. Listed as possible inclusions are Japeth Aguilar and Isaac Holstein, a 6-foot-9 center out of US NCAA’s West Virginia State University.
Missing in the lineup are Gary David, LA Tenorio and Sol Mercado, members of the Jones Cup champion team. Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena will also be out because of his classes.