Team chemistry played a key role in the selection of the players for Gilas Pilipinas.
Coach Yeng Guiao said this as the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas announced late Sunday the composition of the 12-man Gilas Pilipinas team that will take part in the 2019 FIBA World Cup starting Friday in China.
Guiao said the blending of the team when JuneMar Fajardo, Roger Pogoy, and Troy Rosario returned to practice is important after the recent Philippine Basketball Association finals has ended.
“Nakita nating kung gaano ka-effective ang team na nandoon sila,” said Guiao.
Meanwhile, Kiefer Ravena has made it back to the Gilas Pilipinas roster.
Guiao decided to put Ravena back following his first official appearance during the national team’s tuneup game with the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday evening at the Meralco Gym.
It was the 25-year-old’s first-ever competitive basketball game following his 18-month suspension.
The sanction coming from FIBA as punishment when Ravena he tested positive for banned substances due to a pre-workout drink.
The 6-foot guard Ravena played a total of 17 minutes and 12 seconds against the Australians. He finished with 11 points, two rebounds and a steal in the game where the 36ers prevailed in their second scrimmage, 85-75.
With the 12-man lineup complete, Gilas will now be gearing for action in the coming 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Skipper Gabe Norwood is the lone holdover from the 2007 squad.
PBA rookies Robert Bolick and CJ Perez have been added to Gilas Pilipinas, which hopes to have a decent finish in the 32-team field.
Andray Blatche is included, along with veterans Fajardo, Norwood, Japeth Aguilar and Paul Lee. Peter Atencio
Other members of the roster includes Raymond Almazan, Mark Barroca, Pogoy and Rosario.
Among those who missed the cut were Poy Erram, Matthew Wright and Marcio Lassiter, all of whom are dealing with injuries.
But Guiao said he requested the SBP to include the three to the China trip for having been a part of the national pool.
