Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 23) — New and familiar faces will don the Gilas Pilipinas jersey against Lebanon in the sixth and final window of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) revealed the 12-man roster on Thursday, a day before the contest at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Mason Amos, the youngest in the bunch at 18 years old, will make his debut for the men’s national team.
The Filipino Australian has committed to play for Ateneo starting in UAAP Season 86. He previously played in the Under-18 squad in international competitions.
Jordan Heading, meanwhile, is returning to Gilas after two years due to a contract issue with SBP.
Naturalized big man Justin Brownlee is also set for his Gilas debut as he headlines the lineup alongside reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo, and Calvin Oftana.
Japan B.League players Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks Jr., and brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena complete the rotation for the national squad.
Gilas will try to avenge its 85-81 loss to Lebanon in their previous meeting. It’s interesting to note that Lebanon will play without its star guard Wael Arakji.
The Philippines holds a 5-3 win-loss record in Group E of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
