GILAS BARES SEA GAMES ROSTER AFTER 'TEDIOUS BACK AND FORTH' AMID CHANGING ELIGIBILITY RULES

MANILA, Philippines -- It took several revisions, but Gilas Pilipinas’ Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) roster has been finalized.

A mixture of youngsters and veterans will be carrying the flag for the men’s 5-on-5 basketball matchup in Thailand, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said.

The SBP said that professional players Jamie Malonzo, Dalph Panopio, Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks, Justin Chua, Robert Bolick, Abu Tratter and Von Pessumal will be forming the squad’s core.

Collegiate players — NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag, Adamson slotman Cedrick Manzano and UAAP Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre complete the dozen.

“After a tedious back and forth due to initially unclear and constantly changing rules in player eligibility, we at the SBP have submitted this list to the local organizing committee and it has been vetted and has undergone pre-approvals,” the SBP said.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to all the players for dropping everything to compete for Gilas,” it added.

The SBP also thanked the PBA, UAAP and NCAA, as well as the Japan B.League for allowing the players to compete.

“The SBP wishes our basketball teams and the entire Philippine contingent all the best in Thailand. Go for the gold!”

The final roster, to be coached by Norman Black, is different from the initial list of players compiled by the head coach.

The first team was composed of Parks, Wright, Pre, Ravena, Remy Martin, Ange Kouame, Justin Brownlee, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Kymani Ladi, Mike Phillips and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.

But due to changes in the eligibility rules, some names were removed and added, until the fourth version of the roster was finalized.

The 2025 SEA Games will be held from December 9-20 in Thailand.

2025-12-04T06:31:26Z