Baltazar, Mike Phillips make Gilas roster for FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines — Big men Justine Baltazar and Mike Phillips have been included in the final roster of Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced.

The 6-foot-8 Baltazar and the 6-foot-9 Phillips are expected to play a huge part for the national team's frontline, with Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown out for the third window.

In a Facebook post, the SBP said that guards Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos and Dwight Ramos will steady the ship for the Philippines.

Wings Justin Brownlee, Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo are also part of the window, while big men AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo and Troy Rosario complete the 12-man roster.

Calvin Oftana, Millora-Brown, Juan Gomez de-Liano and CJ Perez, who played for the Philippines in the last window, will not see action for the Nationals in the upcoming games.

Gilas will face New Zealand in Auckland on July 3, before taking on Australia on July 6 in Perth.

The Philippines is already assured of a second round berth. The squad currently holds a 2-2 slate in Group A play.