A silver medal in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games will be the first and foremost motivation as Gilas Pilipinas reconvenes, this time in preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers from June 30 to July 3.
Unlike the PBA star-laden squad that shockingly lost to Indonesia in the regional meet, however, this Philippine national team will be comprised of, mostly, collegiate standouts. Their mission? To bring back confidence in the program that had just lost the SEA Games gold for the first time since 1989.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas 2022 Lineup
The great expectations will primarily fall on the shoulders on Nenad Vucinic, who was named head coach for the third window of the qualifiers. This is a golden opportunity for the straightforward and detail-oriented tactician, as assistant Jong Uichico described him, to prove former Gilas program director and coach Tab Baldwin correct in recommending him.
National team stalwarts -- which is weird to say because of how young they are -- Thirdy Ravena of San-En NeoPhoenix and Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido then banner the 18-player pool bared by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Redonning the blue, red, and white alongside them are Ateneo Blue Eagles Ange Kouame, SJ Belangel, and Geo Chiu; UAAP champion and UP Fighting Maroon Carl Tamayo; FEU Tamaraw RJ Abarrientos; and William Navarro and Lebron Lopez.
Seven new names were included in the pool, one of whom is coming off a statement showing in UAAP 84 3x3. UST's Sherwin Concepcion was hailed as MVP in the two-day Men's Tournament last Thursday to Friday after shooting the Growling Tigers to the championship. The 6-foot-3 wing made good on three-game winners, the biggest of which coming in the finals, when his lift-off from way beyond the arc over La Salle Green Archer Ralph Cu put the exclamation point in the black and gold's comeback from nine points down.
Gilas Pilpinas WC Games Online
Fans can Watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers from June 30 to July 4 on One Sports+! Available on Cignal TV CH 261 HD and 91 SD, also available on Cignal Play Premium.
The national team faces New Zealand on June 30 and India on July 3.
