Belo, Ferrer, Van Opstal to lead Gilas 5.0 in FIBA Asia Challenge

MANILA, Philippines – The fifth iteration of the national team has been finalized.

 

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has announced the final 14 cagers set to play in the FIBA Asia Challenge in Tehran, Iran, this September.

 

A mix of old reliables and newcomers highlight the latest roster, with Mac Belo, Kevin Ferrer, Arnold Van Opstal and CJ Perez among the notable names.

 

Opstal is a former big man for De La Salle University and a recipient of the UAAP Most Improved Player award, while Perez – once considered by the San Sebastian community as the second coming of Calvin Abueva – is now a prized guard of Ateneo.

 

Belo and Ferrer, who hacked it out in last year's UAAP Finals, are longtime teammates and holdovers from the Gilas cadet pool that saw action in the Southeast Asian Games and SEABA.

 

Familiar faces include Almond Vosotros, Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy and Russel Escoto. The others cager are Ed Daquioag, Von Pessumal, Jonathan Grey, Alfonzo Gotladera, Carl  Bryan Cruz and  Chris Javier.

Dubbed the Gilas 5.0, the lineup will be mentored by long-time national team assistant Josh Reyes.

 

The pool originally had 24 members.

 

Highly sought amateur talents in Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Arellano star Jiovani Jalalon have decided to skip the tiff slated from September 9-18. – Denison Rey A. Dalupang