Thirdy Ravena takes backseat as Ange Kouame set for Gilas return vs. Jordan

Ange Kouame is back with Gilas! UAAP Season 85 Media Team (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Gilas Pilipinas will be parading a tall roster in its Friday midnight (Philippine Time) battle against Jordan in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

As announced on Thursday, 6-foot-11 beanpole Ange Kouame will be making a Gilas return to headline the national team's frontcourt.

Kouame will join Kai Sotto, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram, and Kevin Quiambao in Coach Chot Reyes' disposal in the forward and center positions.

Making the lineup among the guards are Dwight Ramos, Ray-Ray Parks, RR Pogoy, Scottie Thompson, and CJ Perez, leaving Thirdy Ravena as the only guy not in the "Final 12".

Both Gilas and Jordan will be breaking a tie for third place at 3-3 in Group E play as the latter tries to make the last ride to next year's FIBA World Cup to be co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, beginning with a crucial home game at the Prince Hamza Arena in Amman.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno