21-Man Gilas Pool Selected for 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

The Philippine Men's National Basketball Team, also known as Gilas Pilipinas, has announced their final 21-man pool of players that will represent the country in the upcoming 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. The team is composed of a mix of veterans and young talent from both the PBA and collegiate ranks. 

Leading the way are four-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, 2019 PBA MVP CJ Perez, and former NBA player Andray Blatche. Other notable names include Kiefer Ravena, Japeth Aguilar, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario, and Stanley Pringle. The team also features several up-and-coming stars such as Juan Gomez de Liano, Matt Nieto, Rey Suerte, and Allyn Bulanadi. 

The team will be coached by Chot Reyes who returns to the national team for his fourth stint as head coach. He is joined by assistant coaches Jong Uichico and Sandy Arespacochaga who have both been part of the national team staff since 2013. 

The 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers will take place from February 18 to April 16 and will feature teams from all over Asia competing for a spot in the main tournament. Gilas Pilipinas will be competing in Group A alongside Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei. 

With the announcement of the 21-man pool finalized, Gilas Pilipinas is now preparing for their upcoming campaign in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent on board, the team is optimistic that they can make it to the main tournament and further solidify their status as one of the top basketball teams in Asia.