MANILA – Chris Newsome became the last cut as Gilas Pilipinas finalized its 12-man roster ahead of the start of their 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign on Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The Meralco Bolts guard joined Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III, Calvin Oftana and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. as the four deletions from the national men’s basketball team’s 16-player training camp pool.
Newsome played a key role as Gilas Pilipinas’ point guard during the recent Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia but his role has diminished with the return of Earl Scottie Thompson from injury.
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson bannered the national men’s basketball team’s 12-player roster as a naturalized player, while Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena was also called up as backup point guard.
Also in the final roster are Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings’ Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Jamie Malonzo, San Miguel Beermen’s June Mar Fajardo and Jaymar Perez and TNT Tropang Giga’s Roger Pogoy.
Completing the pool are Ravena’s fellow Japan B.League imports Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto and AJ Edu as well as Rhenz Abando, who is playing as reinforcement in the Korean Basketball League.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes said, in choosing his final 12 players, he opted for those who will fit to his system, to his teammates and to the physicality of the matches.
“First of all, they must have physical fitness. But they have to fit the style of play that we want to play,” Reyes said. “Finally, they have to fit each other’s games, playing styles.”
“We are looking for fit more than anything else, because we feel that is what is going to give us the best chance to pull off a couple of victories,” added the long-time national team coach.
Gilas Pilipinas will open their group stage campaign on Friday against the Dominican Republic before shifting to Smart Araneta Coliseum to face Angola on Aug. 25 and Italy on Aug. 27./PN
