Gilas Pilipinas Expands to 16-Man Pool for FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers
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The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has officially expanded the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s pool to 16 players as preparations intensify for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
The move aims to give head coach and the national team staff more flexibility and depth as they continue to build a strong, competitive roster that can go toe-to-toe with Asia’s best.
Returning Core from FIBA Asia Cup
The backbone of the pool will be the 12 players who recently carried the flag in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, where Gilas showed resilience and teamwork. These are:
Chris Newsome
Calvin Oftana
Scottie Thompson
Jamie Malonzo
June Mar Fajardo
CJ Perez
Dwight Ramos
Japeth Aguilar
Kevin Quiambao
Justin Brownlee
Carl Tamayo
AJ Edu
This group brings familiarity, chemistry, and proven international experience.
New Additions to Strengthen the Squad
Four reinforcements will be joining the pool, adding both size and versatility:
Quentin Millora-Brown – a promising big man with solid defensive instincts and rebounding.
Ange Kouame – the naturalized center returns to bolster Gilas’ interior defense and energy.
RJ Abarrientos – the electrifying guard known for his scoring bursts and outside shooting.
Kai Sotto – the 7-foot-3 center continues his recovery and is expected to provide size and rim protection once fully healthy.
Deeper Pool, Brighter Hopes
By expanding to 16, Gilas ensures that the team has the right mix of veterans, rising stars, and reinforcements ready to answer the call. With size in the paint, steady playmaking, and firepower from multiple positions, the Philippines looks to solidify its path to World Cup 2027 qualification.
As expectations rise, one thing remains certain—the country’s basketball-loving fans will be behind Gilas Pilipinas every step of the way.
🇵🇭 Laban Pilipinas, Puso! 🏀🔥