Al Panlilio, the President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP)
MANILA — As the 2023 FIBA World Cup looms just nine days away, Filipino basketball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the final 12 players selected for Gilas Pilipinas. The tension builds as basketball aficionados wonder who will secure a coveted spot and who will be left out from the remaining pool members.
Acknowledging the mounting curiosity of the public, Al Panlilio, the President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), expressed his awareness of the fans’ eagerness to learn about the lineup for the global basketball spectacle.
Panlilio pointed out that the ultimate composition of the national team’s roster will be solidified through the squad’s upcoming three friendly matches. Coach Chot Reyes and his coaching team will make the final decisions in the upcoming week.
“From a FIBA perspective, the deadline is August 23, two days before the opening game. Team managers will convene to declare the lineup,” Panlilio explained.
He admitted, “Although other countries might have finalized their selections, it’s a challenging task for the coaches. I believe the next three friendly games will provide the clarity needed for the final 12.”
Following the recent China pocket tournament where Gilas faced Senegal and Iran Team B twice, the Philippine team engaged in a series of closed-door practice sessions over the past week. Notably, Utah Jazz standout Jordan Clarkson joined the training sessions.
In a positive turn of events, Scottie Thompson, the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player, has rejoined the team practice after recovering from a metacarpal fracture in his shooting hand. The injury was sustained a month ago during Gilas’ training camp in Europe.
Gilas’ final three friendly matches include games against Ivory Coast on Friday, Montenegro on the upcoming Sunday, and Mexico on the following Monday.
Reyes had previously mentioned that these friendly matches were strategically arranged to replicate the styles of the foreign national teams they will encounter during the group stage of the FIBA World Cup.
The Philippines is scheduled to face the Dominican Republic, led by NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns, on the opening night of August 25. Subsequent matchups include facing African powerhouse Angola on August 27, followed by a closing preliminary round game against the 10th-ranked Italy on August 29.
President Panlilio took a moment to express gratitude towards all the members of the Gilas pool for their dedication, with special mention of Justin Brownlee.
“Everyone was present. I’m pleased to see that … The challenge for the coaches now is finalizing the Top 12. I extend my gratitude to everyone in the pool who made sacrifices for Gilas without a guaranteed spot. Also, a big thank you to Justin Brownlee for his contributions to this journey,” Panlilio conveyed.
Brownlee, instrumental in Gilas’ gold medal triumph at the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last May, will also represent the Philippines in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. (ai/mnm)
