Surprise inclusions cap Gilas’ turbulent SEA Games roster saga

What began as a straightforward title-defense mission has turned into one of the most chaotic roster buildups in Gilas Pilipinas history. But as the dust settles—at least for now—two unexpected names have emerged to complete the latest version of the Final 12 for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok.

NCAA MVP Allen Liwag and veteran big man Justin Chua have been added to the Philippine delegation list released by the Philippine Olympic Committee on Thursday, a development that symbolizes the scramble, uncertainty, and behind-the-scenes gamesmanship that has defined the team’s preparation.

Liwag’s rise is the most surprising twist. Once merely on the periphery of the training pool, he has now become one of the biggest beneficiaries of the eligibility shake-ups that have rocked the squad. 

His breakout season with College of St. Benilde, which earned him the NCAA’s highest individual honor, appears to have bolstered Gilas’ confidence to bring in fresh blood for a tournament where flexibility has become a necessity rather than a luxury. 

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The SBP has confirmed the 12-man roster for the 33rd SEA Games. The players are: Jamie Malonzo, Dalph Panopio, Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks, Cedrick Manzano, Justin Chua, Robert Bolick, Von Pessumal, Allen Liwag, Abu Tratter, and Veejay Pre | @spinph

— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) December 4, 2025

Chua’s inclusion, meanwhile, gives the team another steady interior presence. A proven professional and currently a PBA free agent, his experience offers balance to a roster filled with late adjustments and newly added names.

They join Thirdy Ravena, Cedrick Manzano, Dalph Panopio, Robert Bolick, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks, Von Pessumal, Abu Tratter, Jamie Malonzo, and Veejay Pre—forming a lineup reshaped repeatedly due to the ever-shifting eligibility interpretations by the Thailand SEA Games Organizing Committee.

The constant revisions have already cost Gilas two of its most dependable naturalized players. Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame were both removed from contention after organizers deemed them ineligible under their rules. The same fate befell Remy Martin, Mike Phillips, Kymani Ladi, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.

As of Thursday, even this updated Final 12 is “still subject to change pending clearance,” underscoring the level of unpredictability the team has endured. Gilas continues to operate in a fluid environment—one where preparation must be in motion even without certainty.

With the SEA Games tournament tipping off on December 13 and Gilas debuting a day later against Malaysia, the team has little choice but to forge ahead with whoever is cleared and available. Amid the shifting landscape, the mission remains unchanged: defend the gold, no matter the lineup.

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