PHNOM PENH—Gilas Pilipinas opens its redemption bid Tuesday against Malaysia in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball tourney at the Morodok Elephant Hall here.
The Nationals face Malaysia at 1 p.m. (2 p.m. local time), the start of what could be an arduous task to make up for a sorry silver medal finish in the Vietnam Games last year.
Longtime Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee leads the Gilas squad, making his debut in SEA Games play. The naturalized player saw action for Gilas in Window 6 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Also in the team are PBA players Christian Standhardinger, Chris Newsome, Arvin Tolentino, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
Collegiate players Mason Amos, Jerom Lastimosa, and Michael Phillips have also been included in the final roster.
Gilas’ bid to reclaim the gold will be a challenging one, with defending champion Indonesia bringing in former PBA import Lester Prosper as one of their naturalized players.
Host Cambodia is also bent on winning another SEA Games gold after ruling the 3×3 event last Monday, with naturalized players Sayeed Pridgett, Brandon Peterson and Darrin Dorsey leading the way.
“That’s the nature of the competition. We just have to make the best and play the game,” said Philippines coach Chot Reyes following Monday’s practice.
Game Today
(Morodok Techo Elephant Hall)
1 p.m. (2 p.m. Manila time) – Philippines vs. Malaysia