SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Gilas Pilipinas Set For Friendly Matches In Europe
Photo credit: SBP
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio appealed to the Filipino people to rally behind the Gilas Pilipinas National Pool as preparations for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 enter a crucial phase. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 10, and the national team has lined up a series of pocket tournaments and friendlies in Europe to gear up for the competition.
In a statement, Panlilio, who was recently elected as the Second Vice President of the FIBA Asia Board, humbly sought the full support of the countrymen for the National Pool. He emphasized the critical nature of the team's training for the World Cup and stressed the importance of unity and backing from all quarters.
"We're praying for the good health and safety of all the players, coaches, and everyone involved with Gilas Pilipinas," Panlilio added. "This is our national team, and they are all committed to giving their utmost best as they go up against the best players in the world."
Regarding the hosting of the event, Panlilio assured the public that the SBP and the FIBA World Cup Local Organizing Committee have meticulously prepared to ensure that the Philippines delivers the best World Cup ever. He confirmed that everything is right on schedule.
"With the help of the government and our friends in the public sector, SBP has put in place an elaborate network that works 24/7 to guarantee a World Cup built on organization, teamwork, and our fellowmen's innate hospitality and love for the game," Panlilio said.
Earlier this week, SBP announced the composition of the 21-man Gilas pool, which will convene this week to initiate the final selection process for the Final 12. The pool includes notable names such as NBA star Jordan Clarkson and Southeast Asian Games sensation Justin Brownlee, along with local and international professional league players like June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, and Kai Sotto.
National coach Chot Reyes and his staff will trim down the pool to the final 12 players, finalizing the roster shortly before Gilas makes their debut against the Dominican Republic, a fellow Group A entry and FIBA Americas qualifier, at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The national team will face FIBA Africa qualifier Angola next at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, and conclude the first round of the Group Phase against Italy, the two-time FIBA EuroBasket champion, at the same venue.
Securing at least two victories will enable Gilas to advance to the second round, where they will face the top qualifiers from Group B, including South Sudan, Serbia, China, and Puerto Rico. The Final Phase of the tournament will be hosted at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Gilas pool comprises players such as Chris Newsome, Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading, Dwight Ramos, Jamie Malonzo, Thirdy Ravena, Japeth Aguilar, JP Erram, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Anj Kouame. Additionally, players recovering from recent injuries, including Roger Pogoy, Ray Parks, and Calvin Oftana, are also part of the pool.
Apart from Clarkson and Sotto, who have individual commitments, the active players in the pool are available for scheduled pre-World Cup pocket tournaments and tune-up matches in Europe against Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Another mini-tournament in China is being arranged for early August.
The Philippines is co-hosting the FIBA World Cup 2023 alongside Japan and Indonesia, and the nation is working diligently to ensure a successful and memorable tournament.
In a statement, Panlilio, who was recently elected as the Second Vice President of the FIBA Asia Board, humbly sought the full support of the countrymen for the National Pool. He emphasized the critical nature of the team's training for the World Cup and stressed the importance of unity and backing from all quarters.
"We're praying for the good health and safety of all the players, coaches, and everyone involved with Gilas Pilipinas," Panlilio added. "This is our national team, and they are all committed to giving their utmost best as they go up against the best players in the world."
Regarding the hosting of the event, Panlilio assured the public that the SBP and the FIBA World Cup Local Organizing Committee have meticulously prepared to ensure that the Philippines delivers the best World Cup ever. He confirmed that everything is right on schedule.
"With the help of the government and our friends in the public sector, SBP has put in place an elaborate network that works 24/7 to guarantee a World Cup built on organization, teamwork, and our fellowmen's innate hospitality and love for the game," Panlilio said.
Earlier this week, SBP announced the composition of the 21-man Gilas pool, which will convene this week to initiate the final selection process for the Final 12. The pool includes notable names such as NBA star Jordan Clarkson and Southeast Asian Games sensation Justin Brownlee, along with local and international professional league players like June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, and Kai Sotto.
National coach Chot Reyes and his staff will trim down the pool to the final 12 players, finalizing the roster shortly before Gilas makes their debut against the Dominican Republic, a fellow Group A entry and FIBA Americas qualifier, at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The national team will face FIBA Africa qualifier Angola next at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, and conclude the first round of the Group Phase against Italy, the two-time FIBA EuroBasket champion, at the same venue.
Securing at least two victories will enable Gilas to advance to the second round, where they will face the top qualifiers from Group B, including South Sudan, Serbia, China, and Puerto Rico. The Final Phase of the tournament will be hosted at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Gilas pool comprises players such as Chris Newsome, Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading, Dwight Ramos, Jamie Malonzo, Thirdy Ravena, Japeth Aguilar, JP Erram, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Anj Kouame. Additionally, players recovering from recent injuries, including Roger Pogoy, Ray Parks, and Calvin Oftana, are also part of the pool.
Apart from Clarkson and Sotto, who have individual commitments, the active players in the pool are available for scheduled pre-World Cup pocket tournaments and tune-up matches in Europe against Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Another mini-tournament in China is being arranged for early August.
The Philippines is co-hosting the FIBA World Cup 2023 alongside Japan and Indonesia, and the nation is working diligently to ensure a successful and memorable tournament.
Jun 9, 2023
