MANILA – Ilonggos Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, along with Bacolodnon Justin Chua will lead the the 12-man Gilas Pilipinas charge against Indonesia in the first window of the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers at the Mahaka Arena there on Feb. 23.
Also in the roster released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas last night were Philippine Basketball Association veterans Roger Pogoy, Jeth Troy Rosario, John Paul Erram, Jaymar Perez and Abu Tratter.
Completing the lineup of head coach Mark Dickel were George Isaac Go, Matt Nieto, Juan Gomez de Liaño and incoming Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles center Dwight Ramos.
Curiously out from the 12-man roster were Gilas Pilipinas cadets Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, Frederick Tungcab and Mike Nieto, as well as PBA players Jean Marc Pingris, Javee Mocon and Vic Manuel.
“The Gilas squad will be a mixture of youth and experience and the remaining slots will be given to the players which the coaches deem will compliment with the pros,” Dickel said. “We need experience but we also want to give the young guys a go.”
The Filipino cagers’ clash with the Indonesians will push through after it was in danger of postponement due to the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
However, FIBA has recommended the Indonesia Basketball Association (PERBASI) to continue its hosting of the cage wars since no cases of COVID-19 was reported in the country./PN
