THE Gilas Pilipinas team competing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be hosted by the Philippines next week will be composed of former NBA star Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, JuneMar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Ranidel De Ocampo, Terrence Romeo, Marc Pingris, Jeff Chan, Ryan Reyes, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Troy Rosario.
LA Tenorio and Calvin Abueva didn’t make the final cut.
The announcement was made at the TV5 studios in Mandaluyong City by Gilas assistant coach Jimmy Alapag in three batches of four players each, with Blatche, along with Castro, Fajardo and Norwood comprising the first group.
Their leadership and assertiveness on the court led to the decision by coach Tab Baldwin to choose them, according to Alapag.
The selection was made while the players are playing tuneup games in Bologna, Italy, where the team suffered a 70-106 defeat at the hands of the Italian National Team at the Land Rover Arena last Saturday.
“We have to build up a team which has the experience and the right mentality. It’s a long process, it’s a tough process,” said Baldwin.
Three bigs, Aguilar, De Ocampo and Pingris made up the second batch, along with Romeo.
Their versatility, shooting range and experience, according to Alapag, became the criteria for their choice.
In the final batch, the names of Rosario, Parks Jr., Chan and Reyes were announced by Alapag, saying their versatility, size and speed made them ideal for multiple roles within the team.
SBP president Manny Pangilinan congratulated the members of the Gilas squad.
“I commend them for the time and sacrifice they give. Come July 5, the Philippines is again on the world stage and on the road to glory,” said Pangilinan, some five hours before the nationals’ tuneup game against China.