Thirdy, Phillips set for Gilas return as Kymani Ladi commits for SEA Games

MANILA, October 26 ------ Thirdy Ravena and Mike Phillips are set for a Gilas Pilipinas return, while Kymani Ladi is expected to make his national team debut in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. This was what SEA Games Gilas head coach Norman Black revealed during an appearance in Power & Play, with the team adding more to its roster which already features Justin Brownlee, Angelo Kouame, Matthew Wright, and Ray Parks Jr. Also, there are Jason Brickman, Veejay Pre, and Filipino-American guard Remy Martin.

Still, the official SEA Games Gilas squad hinges on the final decision of the Thailand Local Organizing Committee regarding player eligibility rules. As of present, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Black are finalizing the Gilas roster under the passport-only rules. But regardless of what Thailand’s LOC may be, Black guarantees that the Philippines will be sending a full roster to the SEA Games. “We have a lineup that we can bring together three weeks before the tournament and start practicing,” he said. “Right now, I'm trying to put together the best team I can. Those who want to play, I’ll welcome them. If they have other plans, I won’t get stuck.”

The 33rd SEA Games is set from December 9 to 20.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com