Gilas Pilipinas reshapes SEA Games plans as eligibility uncertainty prompts roster reinforcements

Gilas Pilipinas is reshaping its roadmap toward the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, turning what once looked like a routine roster finalization into a complex puzzle of timing, eligibility, and contingency planning. 

With the host nation yet to settle on whether FIBA regulations or a passport-only rule will govern player participation, the national team program has begun preparing multiple fallback options—leading to an expanded pool and renewed competition for spots.

Two of the latest additions, Jamie Malonzo and Geo Chiu, underscore how the program is preparing for every possible scenario. Their inclusion, confirmed by sources, comes as Gilas tentatively rules out Justin Brownlee amid reports that naturalized players may not be allowed in the 5-on-5 tournament.

Malonzo, previously a centerpiece for Barangay Ginebra, is currently immersed in Gilas preparations for the Guam games in the first window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.  

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Matthew Wright expresses appreciation to Coach Norman Black for the call-up, believing he is still a valuable asset to Gilas Pilipinas and is determined to win gold at the 2025 SEA Games before crossing the bridge of his next professional career move.#OSOnTheSpot #SEAGames2025 pic.twitter.com/0f2BBl2dzy

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) November 23, 2025

Chiu, meanwhile, is balancing a breakout postseason run with Abra in the MPBL while awaiting his PBA debut as Terrafirma’s first overall pick—a debut that may now be delayed should he be officially sent to Thailand.

Inside Gilas camp, the uncertainty has forced head coach Norman Black and his staff to keep multiple rosters in play. The original core—Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Remy Martin, Kymani Ladi, Mike Phillips, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Veejay Pre—remains intact, but nothing is set in stone until eligibility rules are finalized.

The confusion is familiar. Similar issues surfaced months earlier as conflicting reports circulated about which system the SEA Games would use. 

Naturalized standouts Brownlee and Ange Kouame were initially projected to reinforce Black’s squad, only for Kouame later to be reassigned to the 3×3 pool with Joseph Eriobu, Joseph Sedurifa, and Janrey Pasaol.

In anticipation of more unexpected turns, Gilas has also tapped Robert Bolick and Abu Tratter—alongside Malonzo and Chiu—to ensure the roster remains competitive regardless of restrictions. 

According to sources, the coaching staff is preparing for gaps that could emerge once the eligibility ruling is officially announced.

For now, what Gilas has is a group that is both deep and fluid—an unusual circumstance for a national team accustomed to strict timelines and clearly defined roles. But with the SEA Games drawing closer, adaptability has become just as important as talent.

And until the final ruling arrives, the only certainty for Gilas Pilipinas is the need to stay ready for every possible version of the Games that awaits them in Thailand.

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