The 12 players that will represent Gilas Pilipinas in the 2019 FIBA World Cup have been announced.
Naturalized player Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo and PBA rookies Robert Bolick and CJ Perez lead the 12-man Gilas Pilipinas, which is set to depart for Foshan, China on Tuesday.
Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao revealed the final lineup on Sunday night.
Injured players Matthew Wright and Poy Erram as well as big man Beau Belga didn’t make the cut.
Completing the squad are CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, Gabe Norwood, Raymund Almazan, Mark Barroca and the returning Kiefer Ravena.
“These are the 12 gallant men who will fight for flag and country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China, but they would not have gotten this opportunity if it were not for the sacrifices of all the players, coaches, and staff that helped along the way throughout the FIBA Asian Qualifiers,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio in a statement.
“This is your Gilas Pilipinas and they’ll do their best to represent the 100 million Filipinos and promote the Philippine brand of basketball on the world stage,” Panlilio added.
The 2019 FIBA World Cup will begin on August 31 with Gilas facing Italy, Serbia and Angola in the group stage.
