Thompson, Sotto, Perez return to Gilas Final 12

MANILA, Philippines — Scottie Thompson, Kai Sotto and CJ Perez are back in tow for Gilas Pilipinas, as the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers tip off on Friday. 

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, on Thursday night, announced the 12-man roster for the games against Jordan and Iran this weekend.

Thompson, Perez and Sotto, who missed the previous window, are now back in the squad, replacing RJ Abarrientos, Mike Phillips and naturalized star Justin Brownlee.

Completing the roster are Justine Baltazar, AJ Edu, Juan Gomez-de Liano, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo and June Mar Fajardo, who may play in his final national team games. 

The all-Filipino squad will have its hands full against the World No. 41 Jordan, which it will take on on Friday, and the World No. 26 Iran, which it will face Sunday.

The Philippines sits at fifth overall in Group E play, with a 2-4 win-loss record. Both Jordan and Iran are holding identical 5-1 win-loss slates heading to the fourth window.

Only the top three teams in Group E and F, as well as Qatar and the fourth-best squad after the second round, will head to the World Cup.

Australia (6-0) is on top of Group E, while New Zealand is at fourth with a 4-2 card. Syria is at the bottom of the standings with two wins in six games.