The Gilas Pilipinas is the Men's National Basketball Team of the Philippines in FIBA tournaments worldwide. Although the team is currently ranked 34th in the world, it recently suffered disappointing losses including the one against Japan which defeated the Philippines for the first time after 12 years.
Nevertheless, the Philippines is already assured of a slot in the 2023 FIBA World Cup since it is the host of the event. The Filipino fans would surely want Gilas to exceed expectations in the coming 2023 world cup; thus, as early as now, the SBP is already laying out plans on how to improve the team.
Let us take a look into the name of young prospects who could play one day for the Gilas Pilipinas.
GILAS PILIPINAS YOUNG PROSPECTS
| Player | Height | Birth Year | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| JV Papa | 6'9 | 2005 | Fil-Italian |
| Kurt Perciano | 6'8 | 2004 | NU |
| Kobe Demisana | 6'8 | 2004 | UPIS |
| Ramon Salvoro | 6'8 | 2004 | LSGH |
| Kyle Ong | 6'8 | 2002 | ADMU |
| Erlan Umpad | 6'8 | 1999 | EAC |
| Seven Gagate | 6'7 | 2004 | LSGH |
| Mason Amos | 6'6 | 2004 | ADMU |
| Kyle Valdez | 6'6 | 2006 | UAE |
| Zain Mahmood | 6'6 | 2005 | Fil-Canadian |
| Lowell Briones Jr. | 6'6 | 2002 | UP |
| Sebastian Roy Reyes | 6'6 | 2005 | NU |
| Luis Pablo | 6'5 | 2004 | LSGH |
| Justin Diaz | 6'5 | 2004 | ADMU |
| Mark Gil Belmonte | 6'5 | 2004 | UP |
The tallest among the prospects so far is JV Papa. However, he remains a project as his skills is not yet ready for international competition. In terms of skills, the brightest prospects so far are Kobe Demisana (6'8) and Sebastian Roy Reyes (6'6) who were both selected in the NBA Jr Global Championship in 2019.
Mark Gil Belmonte who is an incoming rookie for the UP Fighting Maroons this Season 85 is also an intriguing since he has the quickness of a guard despite his size. Seven Gagate (6'7) and Ramon Salvoro (6'8) from LSGH are also in the spotlight since it is very rare to have tall players at their age.