MANILA, Philippines — Converge rookie Juan Gomez De Liano made the final 12, while his teammate Justine Baltazar, along with Ginebra’s Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos were left out as Gilas coach Tim Cone opted to put premium on familiarity of the team system as the Philippines go to war against New Zealand and Australia in the second window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
The left-handed De Liano is expected to bring in youthful dynamism and outside shooting at the backcourt as Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Cone though assured those who failed to make the cut for this go round that they remain very much part to pool.
Naturalized player Justin Brownlee as usual, leads Cone’s fighting crew, along with June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, wingmen Chris Newsome and CJ Perez, along with gunner Calvin Oftana, guards Dwight Ramos and Scottie Thompson.
Young but dynamic forward Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao complete Cone’s “fighting dozen.”
After New Zealand, the Philippines tangles with world no. 6 Australia on March 1. Both important games will be played at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas and Australia enter window 2 tied atop the Group A standings at 2-0.
The Philippines beat Guam twice in window 1, while Australia nosed out New Zealand with back-to-back wins.