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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 27) – Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Friday morning the final lineup of 12 men that will represent the Philippines against Thailand in their first game of the 2021 FIBA Asian Cup Qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain.
Six Blue Eagles from the Ateneo de Manila University and three Fighting Maroons from the University of the Philippines will lead Gilas Pilipinas’ charge against his close rival from Southeast Asia on Friday night at 9pm (Philippine time).
Returning Ateneo guard Dave Ildefonso and forwards Will Navarro and Dwight Ramos are the three current Blue Eagles in Jong Uichico’s squad. Professionals Isaac Go and brothers Matt and Mike Nieto are the former students of the Ateneo who will represent the flag.
UP stars Kobe Paras and brothers Juan and Javi Gómez De Liaño are also included in the list of 12 young Gilas Pilipinas.
Completing the lineup for the Philippines are De La Salle Green Archers slot Justine Baltazar, San Beda Red Lions big man Kenmark Cariño, and two-time CESAFI MVP and former Universidad del Este Red Warrior Rey Suerte.
The SBP decided to send a young Gilas Pilipinas line-up to the ‘bubble’ tournament in Manama as the Philippine Basketball Association season is still ongoing and develop these players in future international tournaments.
Gilas will once again fight the Thais in their other 2021 FIBA Asian Cup Qualifiers on November 30, when South Korea withdrew from Bahrain’s ‘bubble’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, the Philippines only won one game in the FIBA qualifying tournament when they defeated Indonesia, 100-70, last February.
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