Abueva, Castro, Blatche lead Gilas final 12 vs Chinese Taipei

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Calvin Abueva is about to get his shot at redemption.

After missing both the national team and Alaska’s camps for a few weeks, Abueva is part of final 12 who will be fielded in the Philippines’ game against Chinese-Taipei in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Friday.

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, through ESPN 5, announced the lineup on Twitter.

Joining Abueva in the Gilas frontcourt in Taipei are reigning four-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, naturalized center Andray Blatche, Troy Rosario and Gabe Norwood.

Comprising the Philippines’ backcourt are Jayson Castro, who was named as Asia’s best point guard in 2013 and 2015, the returning Terrence Romeo, Matthew Wright, Roger Pogoy, Jio Jalalon, and Allein Maliksi.

The Philippines is in the second place in Group B with a 3-1 record behind Australia, who leads with a 4-0 card.

The last time the Filipinos and the Taiwanese met, Gilas Pilipinas triumphed 90-83 in the first window.