The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) released on Friday the initial list of Gilas Pilipinas players for the 5th window of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Kai Sotto, who is currently playing for the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), banners the 20-man pool alongside six-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo.
The 7-foot-3 Sotto won't be missing any of the 36ers' games as the NBL will take a break to give way to the upcoming FIBA World Cup window.
Joining Sotto and Fajardo are Japan B.League players Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, and Ray Parks, UAAP stars Carl Tamayo, Angelo Kouame, and Kevin Quiambao, and teen cager LeBron Lopez.
Completing the pool are reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram, William Navarro, Arvin Tolentino, and Chris Newsome.
The status of Fajardo and Newsome is still uncertain as they are recovering from a throat and calf injury, respectively.
The UAAP and Japan B.League will also go on a break during the 5th window, while the PBA has no scheduled games for those who are in the Gilas lineup.
The Philippines owns a 3-3 win-loss record in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Gilas will battle Jordan on Nov. 10 in Amman, then will face Saudi Arabia on Nov. 13 in Jeddah.
