Mikey Williams is among the first-timers to the Gilas pool. PBA Images (file photo) |
PARAÑAQUE—Mikey Williams and Jeremiah Gray are on track to making their Gilas Pilipinas debuts, while Aaron Black is finally set for a jump to the seniors' team as they have been called to the 28-team pool for the national team's campaign in the Southeast Asian Games.
With host nation, Cambodia loosening its restrictions on who will be allowed to play for the SEA Games men's basketball events, Williams and Gray, who can only play in FIBA-sanctioned events as naturalized players despite being of Filipino lineages, are cleared to play in the SEA Games as locals as the event is not FIBA-sanctioned.
Also getting his first Gilas pool call-up is Brandon Rosser, who also need not worry about his eligibility.
Meanwhile, Black, a former RP youth team member, could be in line to finally be in the seniors' team at least for the SEA Games.
Another former youth team member, AJ Edu, has been called up to probably his first foray into the first team ranks.
On the other hand, the core of the Gilas pool for the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers has been called up anew.
June Mar Fajardo, Justin Brownlee, CJ Perez, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, Raymond Almazan, Arvin Tolentino, Schonny Winston, Kevin Quiambao, Jerom Lastimosa, and Mason Amos have been inserted to Gilas' SEA Games pool.
Completing the pool are Marcio Lassiter, Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, Poy Erram, and first-timers Ben and Mike Phillips.
The SEA Games serve as part of Gilas' final preparations for the FIBA World Cup.
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