The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced the list of 21 players who were called up to train for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup which will be held here in the Philippines. The SBP tapped the services of NBA star Jordan Clarkson as well as 7'3 prodigy Kai Sotto.
Also in the pool are naturalized players Ange Kouame and Justine Brownlee. Young stars Carl Tamayo, Dwight Ramos, Rhenz Abando, AJ Edu will likewise join the pool.
| Pos. | Player | Height |
|---|---|---|
| G | Dwight Ramos | 6'4 |
| G | Chris Newsome | 6'2 |
| G | Kiefer Ravena | 6'1 |
| G | CJ Perez | 6'2 |
| G | Rhenz Abando | 6'2 |
| G | Jordan Heading | 6'2 |
| G | Roger Pogoy | 6'3 |
| G | Scottie Thompson | 6'1 |
| F | Jamie Malonzo | 6'7 |
| G | Thirdy Ravena | 6'3 |
| F | Japeth Aguilar | 6'9 |
| F | Poy Erram | 6'7 |
| F | Carl Tamayo | 6'7 |
| F | Bobby Ray Parks Jr. | 6'4 |
| F | Justine Brownlee | 6'6 |
| C | June Mar Fajardo | 6'10 |
| C | Kai Sotto | 7'3 |
| C | Ange Kouame | 6'11 |
| C | AJ Edu | 6'10 |
| G | Jordan Clarkson | 6'5 |
| F | Calvin Oftana | 6'5 |
Perhaps the biggest challenge for the team is to choose who will be the naturalized player that will play. Considering that only one naturalized player can only play per team, we have to choose among Jordan Clarkson, Justine Brownlee and Ange Kouame. Note that Jordan Clarkson cannot play as a local.
Notably, Justin Baltazar, a versatile 6'7 forward, is missing from the pool. For sure, his height and quickness will definitely help Gilas match up with the tall players from other squads.
Kai Sotto is currently playing in mini camps in the USA for the chance to get a contract in the NBA. Consequently, he will miss the team's training camp in Europe.
AJ Edu will have the chance to return to the Gilas team after recovering from injury. His athleticism and length will also boost the frontline of the Gilas team.
A lot of the players in the lineup are currently plying their wares in the Japan B.League. These are brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Jordan Heading, Rhenz Abando is the lone player from the Filipino imports in the Korean Basketball League.
Of course, the local players are dominated by PBA players. Ginebra Standouts Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Justine Brownlee and Jamie Malonzo are back for another Gilas Duty. Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy and Poy Erram are likewise ready to play in FIBA's biggest stage. What do you think of our pool?