Gilas' FIBA WCQ lineup named

The entire Gilas' SEABA lineup is on the WCQ list. (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Twenty-three players made up the Gilas Pilipinas preliminary roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

The 12 PBA teams are all represented in the lineup that was released on FIBA's website early Saturday.

TNT has three players making the lineup in Rookie of the Year RR Pogoy, Jayson Castro, and Troy Rosario.

On the other hand, eight clubs have two players called up each.

Reigning MVP Junemar Fajardo and Von Pessumal made the cut from San Miguel, while Japeth Aguilar and Kevin Ferrer will represent recently crowned Governors' Cup champ Ginebra.

Second overall pick Kiefer Ravena and scoring guard Kevin Alas got the call-up for NLEX even as Baser Amer and Mike Tolomia got theirs for Meralco.

Gabe Norwood and Raymond Almazan will banner Rain or Shine, while Calvin Abueva and Carl Cruz made the cut for Alaska.

Making a Gilas return are Blackwater's Mac Belo and Kia's Russel Escoto. Joining them are veterans Allein Maliksi (Blackwater) and LA Revilla (Kia).

On the other hand, Jio Jalalon (Star), Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort), and Matt Wright (Phoenix) complete the PBA-based local lineup.

Andray Blatche was also called up despite his Chinese Basketball Association squad Xinjiang placing him on the injured list.

Gilas will travel to Tokyo to face Japan on Nov. 24 before flying back to Quezon City to host Chinese Taipei on Nov. 28.

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