Baser Amer finally makes his Gilas PBA team debut as he joins forces with Junemar Fajardo, the best player in the Chinese Taipei game. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Baser Amer is set to make his Gilas Elite debut, while Carl Cruz makes a national team return on Monday night, when the team battles Australia in Matchday 6 of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.
First reported by ESPN 5's JC Ansis on Sunday, Amer and Cruz will replace Jio Jalalon and Allein Maliksi, who played against Chinese Taipei on Friday night.
Staying for Gilas are Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, Junemar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, RR Pogoy, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario, and Matt Wright.
Following Australia's shock 78-79 loss against Japan on Friday night despite already activating NBA players Matthew Dellavedova and Thon Maker, the showdown between Australia and Gilas will now be for the top spot in Group B ahead of the second round of the qualifiers.
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