In Photos: Gilas Pilipinas 11 for FIBA OQT

No doubt world number 37 Philippines is the underdog in Group A of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, paired with host and world number 6 Latvia along with world number 23 Georgia.

The Philippines would have to finish at least in the top two to reach the crossover semifinals. Only the winner of the FIBA OQT will get the ticket for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

The odds have been further stacked against Gilas, who will be fielding only 11 men due to injuries and other issues. Coach Tim Cone though, says that's not really a problem for them.

[ALSO READ: FIBA OQT: In absence of Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos to take on point guard role for Gilas] 

Here's a look at the Gilas 11 heading to Riga.

The PBA core

June Mar Fajardo - Seven-time PBA MVP for a reason

Calvin Oftana - Getting more confidence and playing at a "total MVP level" for Tim Cone

Japeth Aguilar - Veteran who continues answering the call 

CJ Perez - 2023-24 PBA Commmissioner's Cup Finals MVP

The young guns

Carl Tamayo - Modern version of Kerby Raymundo, at least for Tim Cone

Kevin Quiambao - Multidimensional UAAP Season 86 MVP AND Finals MVP

Kai Sotto - Can the Kaiju take on the bigs of Europe?

Mason Amos - The future looks bright for this young Eagle

The difference makers

Dwight Ramos - Switching to PG for this OQT

Justin Brownlee - Ever-reliable Justin Noypi for coach Tim Cone

Chris Newsome - Defensive stalwart and newly-minted PBA Finals MVP

The FIBA OQT will run from July 2 to 7, and will air on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.