The national team will look to avenge its tight loss in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last August.
Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo headline the roster of Gilas Pilipinas against Lebanon in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and coach Chot Reyes released the lineup on Thursday evening.
Also making it to the roster are Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, Cjay Perez, Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, Jamie Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, and Jordan Heading. Newcomer Mason Amos, who has deeply impressed Reyes, also cracked the lineup.
Brownlee, a three-time PBA Best Import, will make his much-awaited debut for the national quintet, while Fajardo, a six-time PBA MVP, will make his return after sitting out the fifth window last November due to a throat surgery.
Reyes has acknowledged the team's lack of big men with Kai Sotto begging off and Japeth Aguilar nursing an MCL injury. But the seasoned shot-caller, who steered the Philippines to the 2014 FIBA World Cup, maintained confidence that the squad will remain competitive.
Reyes and his wards will look to avenge their bitter-tasting 85-81 setback to Lebanon on the road last August.
Lebanon, who will be missing the services of top gunslinger Wael Arakji and behemoth Ali Haidar, is atop Group E with a 7-1 record, while the Philippines is at third place with a 5-3 slate. Both countries are already qualified for the FIBA World Cup in August.
Gilas Pilipinas versus Lebanon will air live on TV5 at 6 p.m. with a replay on One Sports at 8 p.m.