Reyes bares 17-man roster for World Cup, Asian Games

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes kept the FIBA Asia silver medalist Gilas Pilipinas roster and added five more to complete its 17-man pool for the FIBA World Cup in Spain and most probably, for the Asian Games in South Korea as well.

Bannering the cast are the 12 members of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship line-up led by Jimmy Alapag, LA Tenorio, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, Ranidel Ocampo, Marc Pingris, Japeth Aguilar, Junmar Fajardo and naturalized player Marcus Douthit.

Beau Belga and Greg Slaughter, who were the last two players cut before the FIBA Asia tournament, were also included.

New names joining the pool are Marcio Lassiter, Jared Dillinger and Paul Lee.

The fate of Andre Blatche of the Brooklyn Nets, the other naturalized player eyed for the team, is awaiting Congressional approval.

“I would like to acknowledge the team owners and the PBA Board of Governors for allowing me to name the players in the pool. I would like to thank the PBA for its continued partnership to the national team effort,” said Reyes.

The team will start its practice on Monday starting at 8 p.m. at the Philsports Arena and will continue to hold once-a-week practices until such time that the team can hold regular training.

Gilas Pilipinas bagged the silver medal and a spot in the FIBA World Cup where it will play in Seville for the preliminary rounds in August-September. This will be the first time after 40 years that the country will be playing in the world basketball stage.

The Philippines drew a tough Group B that includes Argentina, Croatia, Greece, Puerto Rico and Senegal.

Next up for Team Philippines is the Asian Games set in September in Incheon, South Korea.