Last-Minute Visa Approval Boosts Gilas Pilipinas Roster
The Philippine national basketball team received significant reinforcement as forward Carl Tamayo finally secured his U.S. visa, clearing his path to join Gilas Pilipinas for their crucial FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers match against Guam. The 24-year-old Cebuano player's visa approval came just in time for the team's departure, following his interview on the same morning as the national team's send-off ceremony two days earlier.
Race Against Time for Final Preparations
Carl Tamayo is now targeting to participate in Gilas Pilipinas' final practice sessions before they face Guam on November 28, 2025. The crucial qualifying game will take place at the Calvo Fieldhouse within the University of Guam, where the 6-foot-8 forward's presence could prove vital for the Philippine squad.
The national team's complete 12-man roster includes several notable players who will represent the Philippines in this important tournament. Alongside Tamayo, the team features RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Quentin Millora-Brown, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Scottie Thompson.
Group A Challenge Ahead
The Philippines finds itself in Group A alongside Guam, New Zealand, and Australia, making every qualifying match critical for advancing in the tournament. The upcoming game against Guam represents the first test for the revamped Gilas Pilipinas lineup as they begin their campaign to secure a spot in the FIBA World Cup.
Basketball fans across the Philippines are eagerly anticipating how the team will perform with this last-minute addition to their roster. Tamayo's availability provides coach Chot Reyes with more flexibility in his lineup choices and could significantly impact the team's performance in this important qualifier.
