Gilas Pilipinas, a team that has a famous battle cry known as “PUSO!” unveiled its 12-man lineup for the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup.
The Samahang Basktbol ng Pilipinas made its official announcement via its official Twitter account.
The latest edition of the Philippine men’s basketball team is a combination of old but reliable and young players.
Andray Blatche, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, and June Mar Fajardo will reprise their role with the Gilas squad. These four players are with the team the last time the Philippines qualified to play in the FIBA World Cup which was held in Spain back in 2014.
Norwood electrified the nation after he made that famous dunk against Argentina’s Luis Scola.
Just a year ago CJ Perez and Robert Bolick shared the basketball floor of the Mall of Asia Arena as opponents when they battled for the championship trophy of the NCAA Season 94. This time around, the two youngsters will be on the same side and will be playing with one goal.
Fresh from their intense Finals clash during the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup June Mar Fajardo, RR Pogoy and Troy Rosario will also team-up for the national team.
Raymond Almazan who usually plays at his best with Gilas is also back in duty along with Mark Barroca who is one of the original members of the SBP program when it started back in 2009.
The squad that will start its campaign on August 31 will be coached by Yeng Guiao. Guiao will be assisted by Ford Arao, Caloy Garcia and Ryan Gregorio from the sidelines.
Here is the complete list Gilas Pilipinas roster who will see action in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
| No. | Name | PBA Team |
| 1 | Japeth Aguilar | Barangay Ginebra San Miguel |
| 2 | Raymond Almazan | Meralco Bolts |
| 3 | Mark Barroca | Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok |
| 4 | Andray Blatche | - |
| 5 | Robert Bolick | NorthPort Batang Pier |
| 6 | June Mar Fajardo | San Miguel Beermen |
| 7 | Paul Lee | Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok |
| 8 | Gabe Norwood | Rain or Shine Elasto Painters |
| 9 | CJ Perez | Columbian Dyip |
| 10 | Roger Pogoy | TNT KaTropa |
| 11 | Kiefer Ravena | NLEX Road Warriors |
| 12 | Troy Rosario | TNT KaTropa |