SBP reveals Gilas squad versus Lebanon

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The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officially revealed the team it will field against Lebanon on Friday morning (Manila time), the first of its two games scheduled in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

From the the thirteen that flew to Beirut, Roosevelt Adams was the odd man out as Chot Reyes opts for a team led by Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson and Adelaide 36ers big man Kai Sotto.

B-League players Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, as well as Bobby Ray Parks and Dwight Ramos join in, with Carl Tamayo of the University of the Philippines being the lone non-professional representative.

Completing the team are the players from the PBA in Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra, Calvin Oftana of NLEX, Chris Newsome of Meralco, and Jamie Malonzo of NorthPort.

The latter two are making their national team debut after getting clearance from FIBA to be designated as locals.

Executive Director and spokesperson Sonny Barrios shares, "Our GILAS PILIPINAS Men's National Basketball Team is raring to go all out for flag and country." He adds, "Each one, to the last man, is fully committed to give his very best, inspired by the support and prayers of his countrymen. Let us continue to wish them well and cheer them on as they play for all of us away from home.  LABAN PILIPINAS!  PUSO!"

Gilas is currently carrying a 2-2 record into the fourth window, going up against a Lebanese side that is fresh from a runner-up finish at the FIBA Asia Cup last month, a road which included a 95-80 victory for Lebanon.

Wael Arakji scored twenty points for the Cedars in that victory, with Hark Gyokchyan and Jonathan Arledge each netting nineteen markers and combined for fourteen rebounds.

The Philippines is hoping the addition of Clarkson and Sotto would provide a much-needed boost, with the former's offensive capabilities and the latter's rim protection.

Team assistant Tim Cone shared about Sotto during one of the practices, "Kai has been very, very impressive. Maybe in the NBA level, it’s a different thing. But at this level, he’s a real deal. Having Kai protecting the rim for us, it’s making a big, big difference."

As for Clarkson, Cone adds, "JC knows the offense already. He runs dribble-drive in Utah, he’s done it before. He’s very comfortable with it so I don’t think that’s going to be an issue for us. He already understands the principles, so he’s stepping in really easy."

The team will be back in Manila on August 27, in time for their second game in the fourth window against Saudi Arabia on August 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.