Gilas roster for Asian Games has 7 FIBA World Cup veterans — POC

SEVEN of the players who saw action in the FIBA World Cup are on the Team Philippines' list for men's basketball to the Hangzhou 12th Asian Games.

June Mar Fajardo PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

The lineup, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, was submitted along with those of the 39 other sports or disciplines where Filipino athletes are competing in the Games that start September 23.

Any changes, Tolentino said, would have to be appealed to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.

“The deadline for the Entry by Names [EBN]was last July 25 and whatever list a national Olympic committee submitted is deemed official,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino also said that Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, both naturalized, are eligible for the Asian Games for the simple rule that they only need to show a valid Philippine passport.

“Only the passport,” Tolentino said.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) list had World Cup veterans Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson, Roger Pogoy, June Mar Fajardo, JR Perez, Japeth Aguilar and Jamie Malonzo.

Also in the roster are Chris Newsome, Calvon Oftana, Brandon Rosser and naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.

Dwight Ramos, Renz Abando, Kai Sotto and naturalized player Jordan Clarkson as well as AJ Edu, are not on the Asian Games roster.

The EBN also listed Chot Reyes and Tim Cone as head coach and assistant coach.

The SBP and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are expected to announce the final lineup for Hangzhou on Thursday.