A mix of new and old faces will compose the roster of Gilas Pilipinas for the sixth and last window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, which will play Lebanon on Friday, 24 February, and Jordan on Monday, 27 February at the Philippine Arena.
Naturalized player Justin Brownlee, the resident Barangay Ginebra import, will be among the newcomers included in the final 12 line-up that also includes returning Jordan Heading and Mason Amos — the only teenage player in the latest roster.
Brownlee will take over the spot of Ange Kouame as Gilas opted for talent over size.
Heading, on the other hand, will be making his comeback in the national team since playing for the Tab Baldwin-coached squad two years ago.
Amos, the 6-foot-7 incoming freshman from Ateneo, will serve as back up of June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer, the lone big man for the squad.
Joining the four in the final lineup are reigning Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra, Calvin Oftana of TNT, Jamie Malonzo of Barangay Ginebra, CJ Perez of San Miguel Beer, and Japan B. League stars Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks and Dwight Ramos.
Gilas Pilipinas’ small-ball lineup will be put to the test against Lebanon on Friday’s encounter at 6 p.m. as well as against Jordan on Monday at the same time.
