Changes are still expected, however.
FIBA World Cup cagers Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson, RR Pogoy, June Mar Fajardo, Cjay Perez, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo are part of the official lineup sent to the organizing committee of the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China later this September.
Joining them are Chris Newsome and Calvin Oftana, who were among the final Gilas cuts ahead of the FIBA World Cup. Big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame are also in the roster.
This was revealed on Tuesday through a statement by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who said that the list was submitted on July 25 along with those of the 39 other sports or disciplines where Filipino athletes are competing in.
Meanwhile, Gilas young guns Dwight Ramos, Rhenz Abando, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu alongside naturalized player Jordan Clarkson are not on the said list, which also includes Chot Reyes and Tim Cone as head coach and assistant coach, respectively.
“The deadline for the Entry by Names (EBN) was last July 25 and whatever list a national Olympic committee submitted is deemed official,” said Tolentino, who also clarified that Brownlee and Kouame are both eligible in the quadrennial meet as they only need to show a valid Philippine passport.
Any changes to the lineup, according to Tolentino, will still have to be appealed to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee. The Games are set to commence on the 23rd of September or a few weeks from now.
Ravena is among those expected to report to his pro club, Shiga Lakes, in Japan's B.League. Brownlee, meanwhile, is still on a day-to-day status after undergoing a recent operation.
The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas and Philippine Basketball Association, who have scheduled a media availability on Thursday, are expected to announce Gilas’ final lineup for Hangzhou on that day.
(GM)