SBP set to announce roster for Asian Games

WITH the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China just three weeks away, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), with the help of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), is set to make its much-awaited announcement on Gilas Pilipinas' new head coach, along with some key additions to the national squad come Thursday.

Netizens who follow Gilas' international preparations have been in suspense since Chot Reyes announced that he's stepping down on his post, just moments after guiding the Philippines to a 96-75 demolition of China last Saturday to close its 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign on a winning note.

Kiefer Ravena (left) PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

SBP President Al Panlilio held an emergency meeting with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and league chairman Ricky Vargas, along with San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua on Tuesday to plot the direction of the national team, which is pressed for time for the Asian Games, which will begin on September 23.

Marcial has said that the new coach and additional new members of the national team will be revealed by Thursday in a press conference, aware of the time element involved with Gilas.

At least half of the Gilas squad that played in the FIBA World Cup won't be available for the Asian Games, considering that four are returning to their respective Japan B.League squads, while another one to the Korean Basketball League.

The four members who won't be able for the Asiad include Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto and AJ Edu, who will be making his pro debut with his B.League team Toyama Grouses.

Rhenz Abando is also slated to fly back to Korea to join his team Anyang KGC, while Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson will also be returning to the United States in time for his team's training camp.

At least seven of the Gilas players who saw action in the World Cup were included on the list submitted by Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino to the Asian Games organizing committee.

Naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame lead the submitted list, while the members of the Gilas squad from the World Cup include June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Roger Pogoy, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, Japeth Aguilar and Kiefer Ravena.

Others on the list include Brandon Rosser, Chris Newsome and Calvin Oftana.

Reyes and his assistant coach, Tim Cone, were also part of the list submitted originally.

Considering the expected revisions in the Gilas lineup submitted earlier, Tolentino said, changes will have to be appealed to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.