Gilas Pilipinas announces Final 12 for second window of FIBA qualifiers 

With urgency building ahead of two crucial home games, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officially unveiled the Final 12 of Gilas Pilipinas for the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, highlighting a roster shaped as much by opportunity as by necessity.

The announcement reflects a careful mix of continuity and adjustment, as the national team continues to refine its identity under head coach Tim Cone while navigating roster gaps and emerging talent.

One of the most notable inclusions is rising guard Juan Gomez de Liaño of the Converge FiberXers, who earned a spot after joining training camp to help stabilize a pool temporarily thinned by injuries and availability concerns. His selection signals the program’s openness to reinforcements capable of quickly adapting to the system.

Gomez de Liaño’s addition comes as Gilas continues to operate without star center Kai Sotto, forcing the coaching staff to redistribute responsibilities across both the frontcourt and perimeter rotations.

Young core pieces AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Carl Tamayo remain integral to the squad’s long-term structure, continuing their transition from developmental prospects into consistent international contributors.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

HANDA NA SA LABAN!

The final roster is set! Meet the 12-man lineup ready to fiercely defend home court against Oceania’s finest – New Zealand and Australia – in the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.#GilasPilipinas #Gilas #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/XNwPtePxaB

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 25, 2026

Inside the paint, veteran presence becomes even more critical. With Japeth Aguilar no longer part of the national setup, Gilas will rely heavily on the experience and size of June Mar Fajardo and Quentin Millora-Brown to anchor the interior against physically imposing opponents.

Naturalized star Justin Brownlee is likewise expected to carry a significant offensive and leadership load, continuing his role as the team’s stabilizing force in high-pressure international games.

Completing the roster are veteran guards and wings Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, and Scottie Thompson, whose familiarity with Cone’s system provides continuity in both execution and defensive structure.

Meanwhile, notable names left out of the Final 12 include RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, and Troy Rosario, underscoring the increasingly competitive depth within the national pool.

The Philippines enters the second window carrying momentum after opening the qualifiers with a 2-0 record in Group A. That early success now sets the stage for a tougher challenge, as Gilas prepares to host the New Zealand men’s national basketball team and the Australia men’s national basketball team in back-to-back games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

More than just maintaining its unbeaten record, the newly finalized lineup reflects Gilas’ evolving approach—balancing system familiarity, positional needs, and the steady integration of new pieces as the road to the World Cup continues.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!