The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas wishes the Gilas Pilipinas Men well as they look to extend the Philippines’ dominance in the Southeast Asian Games 5-on-5 basketball.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas couldn’t thank its partner leagues enough in forming the Gilas Pilipinas Men lineup for the Southeast Asian Games this month.
The federation was left to scramble to fill in the spots with the Thailand organizing committee’s constantly changing eligibility rules.
[RELATED STORY: SEA Games: Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks Jr. banner Gilas Men Final 12]
“We extend our deepest appreciation to all the players for dropping everything to compete for Gilas,” the SBP said in a statement sent to the members of the press Thursday, December 4.
“We thank our partners from the PBA, UAAP, and NCAA and our friends from the Japanese B-League for allowing their players to compete for flag and country.”
From the initial lineup that included heavy hitters Justin Brownlee as well as Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Jason Brickman, and Remy Martin, only Matthew Wright, Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks, Jamie Malonzo, and Veejay Pre were retained.
Now they will be joined by PBA star Robert Bolick, rookie Dalph Panopio, Abu Tratter, Von Pessumal, and Justin Chua.
Collegiate aces Cedrick Manzano and Allen Liwag also made the lineup.
[ALSO READ: Matthew Wright believes he's still a ‘valuable asset’ for Gilas, expresses desire to rejoin main team]
The Gilas squad looks to extend its dominance in the regional meet after regaining the gold medal in 2023.
“The SBP wishes our basketball teams and the entire Philippine contingent all the best in Thailand,” the statement read.
The Gilas Pilipinas Men will first see action on Sunday, December 14 against Malaysia at 12:30 p.m. It will be livestreamed on the One Sports YouTube page and Pilipinas Live.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Team Philippines competes at 33rd SEA Games in Thailand]
—
Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.