The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has unveiled the final 12-man roster of Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next month. The national team will be reinforced by Justine Baltazar, Mike Phillips, and Troy Rosario to bolster its frontline amid key absences.
Frontline Reinforcements
Baltazar, a 6-foot-9 forward-center currently playing for Converge in the PBA, returns to the national team after establishing himself as one of the league's most impactful big men. Phillips, a 6-foot-8 athletic forward from the San Juan Knights in the MPBL, also earns a spot. The former De La Salle University standout, who was named UAAP Finals MVP during his collegiate career, is expected to provide energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Rosario adds size, athleticism, and experience to a retooled frontline as the Philippines prepares for two physically demanding road games.
Key Absences
The trio's call-ups come as Gilas deals with manpower issues in the frontcourt. Seven-foot-one Kai Sotto and 6-foot-10 Quentin Millora-Brown are expected to miss the July road games against New Zealand and Australia. National team mainstay Calvin Oftana has also ruled himself out due to a scheduled toe surgery.
Complete Roster
Leading the roster is naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who joins the national team shortly after leading Barangay Ginebra to the PBA Commissioner's Cup championship. Also included are Ginebra guards Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos, veteran San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo, and Meralco stalwart Chris Newsome. Completing the lineup are Japan B.League campaigners Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo.
Preparations and Schedule
Coach Tim Cone earlier revealed that the team is exploring the possibility of holding a media day and an open workout for fans, tentatively scheduled for June 22, before departing for New Zealand. Gilas is set to leave for Auckland on June 23 for a week-long training camp aimed at helping the squad adjust to winter conditions before opening the window. The Philippines will face New Zealand on July 3 in Auckland before taking on Australia on July 6 in Perth.
Gilas currently shares second place in Group A with New Zealand at 2-2, behind unbeaten Australia at 4-0. Guam remains at the bottom of the standings with an 0-4 record.
