Norman Black: player commitments secure, but Gilas still faces availability hurdles for SEA Games

While Gilas Pilipinas coach Norman Black has secured the commitment of eight players for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December, the bigger battle may lie in ensuring their actual availability once the tournament tips off.

Black confirmed that several names, including Ray Parks Jr. and Matthew Wright, have expressed their willingness to suit up, but the duo remains tied to their mother clubs in Japan’s B.League, which runs its season during the December 8–20 window of the SEA Games.

“In the case of Kouame and Brownlee, they are with the national team already. I have not actually asked Rayray if he has gotten his release from his team. He just said that he would be able to accomplish that. Same with Matt Wright. Remy Martin, I know his season is over, it’s getting ready to begin again. I’m sure he will talk to his team,” said Black.

The situation isn’t limited to the Japan-based Filipinos. Gilas prospects Shaun Ildefonso and Jason Brickman are still under contract with Abra in the MPBL, which won’t conclude its season until December, while Remy Martin continues his professional stint abroad.

That leaves Gilas in a precarious spot. On paper, the roster already looks formidable with naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame both eligible to play at the same time under the “passports-only” eligibility rule adopted by SEA Games organizers. 

WATCH: Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, Ray Parks, Remy Martin, Matthew Wright, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, and Veejay Pre have committed to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 SEA Games, says coach Norman Black. | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/2ExvYbdw1N

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 5, 2025

But with four slots still unfilled and several committed names requiring club clearance, the final composition of the 12-man squad remains uncertain.

“We still have four slots left. We are hoping to be able to add big men because you can see that we lack bigs,” Black added, noting that the team may have to dip into the UAAP talent pool to complete the roster.

The SEA Games’ December schedule outside of FIBA international windows has complicated the planning further. Unlike the main Gilas pool assembled by Tim Cone for Olympic qualifying campaigns, the SEA Games lineup is being built under different circumstances, with Black appointed to lead due to Cone’s PBA commitments.

For now, the Gilas coach has the assurances of eight committed players. Whether those names make it to Thailand when the ball goes up, however, still depends on negotiations with leagues and clubs abroad.

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