THERE will be three new faces when Team Pilipinas gets back on the floor to take on Iran today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The changes were made after Gilas bowed to Kazakhstan, 88-92, last Friday.
Arwind Santos, Troy Rosario, and Jayson Castro will now see action when the Philippines faces Iran in their next game in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The three replaced Greg Slaughter, Alex Cabagnot and JP Erram.
Gilas will try to bounce back after the Iranians won over the Filipinos last September.
Naturalized player Christian Standhardinger and four-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo will head the new 12-man roster.
Barangay Ginebra players Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, and Scottie Thompson are also back.
“There’s more pressure on us now to win against Iran. Kailangan tayo manalo sa Iran on Monday. That’s part of the process that we have to undertake,” said Gilas coach Guiao
Also joining them are Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood, Marcio Lassiter and Matthew Wright.
The Philippines dropped to a share of third place with Japan in Group F, with identical 5-4 records after the team lost to Kazakhstan.
The Japanese have won four straight games and could overtake the Filipinos for solo third if they repeat over Kazakhstan in their coming game, also on Monday.
Only the top three teams from Groups E and F will advance to the World Cup.
Australia is the number 1 team with its 8-1 win-loss record. They tallied the record after the Boomers beat Iran, 84-67. They are slated to meet Qatar in Melbourne, Australia.
The Iranians are second at 6-3.
