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Gilas Pilipinas blends proven mainstays with new additions for Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has officially unveiled the 12-man Gilas Pilipinas roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 3 set to take place this July.
The lineup features a balanced mix of established national team mainstays and fresh faces as Gilas looks to bounce back after a disappointing second window at home.
Gilas Pilipinas Window 3 Lineup
The Returning Gilas Core for Window 3
Several familiar names headline the roster, led by Barangay Ginebra stars Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario. The quartet comes in fresh from a successful PBA Commissioner’s Cup run, where Ginebra captured the championship at the expense of the TNT Tropang 5G.
Brownlee further strengthened his legacy after becoming the winningest import in PBA history while also adding another Best Import award. Abarrientos enjoyed a breakout conference, earning Best Player of the Conference honors, while Thompson capped the title run with a Finals MVP award. Rosario, meanwhile, provided crucial energy and activity throughout the campaign.
Also returning to the national team are Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, Chris Newsome, June Mar Fajardo, and AJ Edu, all of whom have played key roles in recent Gilas windows.
Ramos remains as one of the most reliable players in the squad, while Newsome brings stability and veteran presence at the 1 spot. Tamayo and Quiambao continue to represent the younger core, and their versatility on the wings gives Cone more options to explore different lineup combinations.
In the frontcourt, Fajardo remains as the main man. Without Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown, Gilas will have to rely again on the 9x PBA MVP and AJ Edu, who compliments him as the team’s primary rim protector and vertical threat.
Balti’s Comeback, Motor Mike’s Call-Up
With Calvin Oftana sidelined due to injury, and as mentioned, Sotto and QMB being unavailable, Gilas bolstered its frontcourt depth with the inclusion of Troy Rosario and Justine Baltazar, alongside Fajardo and Edu.
Baltazar is making his return to Gilas Pilipinas after a three-year absence. Since then, he’s emerged as number 1 pick in the PBA Draft, and is now part of a promising Converge FiberXers core along with Juan Gomez de Liaño and Justin Arana.
Another notable storyline is the debut of Mike Phillips, who earns his first official FIBA call-up after making solid impact with the San Juan Knights in the MPBL. The former La Salle big man now gets an opportunity to bring his energy and defense to the FIBA stage, where he will also reunite with former Green Archers teammate Kevin Quiambao.
Images courtesy of FIBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 12-man roster includes Brownlee, Thompson, Abarrientos, Rosario, Ramos, Quiambao, Tamayo, Newsome, Fajardo, Edu, Baltazar, and Phillips.
Baltazar returns to Gilas after a three-year absence. He has since become the PBA Draft’s number one overall pick and a key piece of the Converge FiberXers.
Phillips is a former La Salle big man currently playing for the San Juan Knights in the MPBL. Window 3 marks his first official FIBA call-up.
Both are listed as unavailable. Their absence puts more weight on Fajardo and Edu in the frontcourt, with Baltazar and Rosario added for depth.
The third phase of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, set for July. Gilas looks to bounce back after a difficult second window at home.