MANILA – Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena and Bacolodnon Samjosef Belangel will lead Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this week.
The two Western Visayas-based cagers were among the 11-man roster of the national men’s basketball team released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas over the weekend.
Rhenz Abando is set to make his Gilas Pilipinas debut after playing for the national team in the two-day friendlies with South Korea, while Kevin Quiambao also make his seniors debut.
Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles forward Dave Ildefonso is also set to play for the Philippine team after missing the two friendly matches with South Korea.
Also listed in the national men’s basketball team roster were Dwight Ramos, RJ Abarrientos, Geo Chiu, William Navarro, Carl Tamayo and Lebron Lopez.
It is unsure, however, if Team Philippines will add another player in the roster to complete the 11-man lineup, possibly undrafted NBA aspirant Kai Sotto.
Naturalized center and Ateneo Blue Eagles slotman Angelo Kouame, meanwhile, has been ruled out of the competition due to a partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear.
Gilas Pilipinas currently has 1-1 win-loss slate in Group C following a victory against India and a lopsided defeat to the New Zealans Tall Blacks in the second window.
In the third window, Gilas Pilipinas will face the Tall Blacks (3-0) at EventFinda Stadium in Auckland on June 30 before hosting India (0-3) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 3.
All three teams in Group C are already assured of a spot in the next round following South Korea’s disqualification./PN
