With Window 4 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers just a week away, Gilas Pilipinas’ final 12 remains undecided. Head coach Tim Cone confirmed that the roster is still under evaluation as the team prepares to face Jordan and Iran next week.
“We have 15 players in practice, including Justin [Brownlee] who has yet to arrive, so we’ll have to select 12 from those 15,” Cone told reporters during Gilas Pilipinas practice on Friday. “We’re still very much evaluating at this point while still being cognizant of past performances in previous windows.”
Brownlee’s absence one week before Window 4 is the biggest revelation so far, as he would be a lock for the final 12 if healthy. The returning Kai Sotto is also expected to make the cut, with Cone viewing him as the centerpiece of Gilas Pilipinas.
Past Gilas Pilipinas Performances Are a Criteria
Cone emphasized that past performances in previous windows will weigh heavily in the selection process. Based on that, four names appear certain to be included: Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, and Juan Gomez de Liaño.
Quiambao, Ramos, and Edu have been constants for Gilas, not only in this qualifying cycle but also in earlier tournaments. In these qualifiers, Quiambao is averaging 9.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Ramos has put up 13.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while Edu has contributed 5.7 points and 7.0 rebounds as the team’s primary big man. All three have played in all six games across the first three windows.
Juan Gomez de Liaño Likely a Shoo-In
Cone also singled out Juan Gomez de Liaño, whose fiery performance against New Zealand in Window 3 proved he is ready for the big stage. Interestingly, his Converge FiberXers teammate Justine Baltazar is also in contention, with Cone noting Baltazar’s high ceiling ahead of the third window.
“Juan and Balti are both very much in the running for the 12 slots,” added Cone, whose his immediate focus is on the qualifiers before turning his attention to the Asian Games.
With the games drawing near, Cone faces the difficult task of finalizing the roster. Gilas Pilipinas’ Magic 12 remains fluid, but the decisions made in the coming days will determine how the national team stacks up against Jordan and Iran in Window 4.
