Kai Sotto FIBA PHOTO ADELAIDE 36ers big man Kai Sotto, San Miguel star slotman June Mar Fajardo as well as four Japan B.League players led by Kiefer Ravena and Dwight Ramos banner the 20-man Gilas Pilipinas pool, which the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) submitted for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this November.
Slated to play in two away games next month, the Gilas pool also included San Miguel wingman CJ Perez, Barangay Ginebra big man Japeth Aguilar, reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo, TNT's Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram and Roger Pogoy, NorthPort's Arvin Tolentino and Will Navarro, Meralco's Chris Newsome, Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks, as well as Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, Lebron Lopez and naturalized player Ange Kouame.
Fajardo and Newsome though are doubtful in the upcoming two away games considering that both are still out with separate injuries sustained in the ongoing 2022-23 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo underwent throat surgery over a week ago after being elbowed inadvertently by Rain or Shine import Steve Taylor Jr. in a recent game, while Newsome is still recovering from calf injury.
Gilas is scheduled to leave on November 7 ahead of its match against Jordan on November 10.
The national squad then faces Saudi Arabia on November 13.
As per SBP, Gilas, under coach Chot Reyes, will have three straight days of practice in the coming long weekend starting October 31.
Reyes has been conducting practice sessions with players available from the pool only on Monday nights these past weeks.
The Philippines has already secured a slot in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, being one of the host nations next year.
The national squad carries an even 3-3 card and currently sits at third spot in Group E.
Pinoy fans had a treat during the August FIBA window as Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson led Gilas to an 84-46 demolition of the visiting Saudi Arabia side at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Days prior to that, Gilas dropped a narrow 81-85 decision to Lebanon, 85-81. source