No shoo-ins yet for Gilas WC roster

Every spot in Gilas Pilipinas’ 12-man lineup for the 2023 FIBA World Cup proper remains up for grabs among a bevy of candidates, including the slot for the team’s naturalized player.

Even after their last outing in the FIBAWC23 Asian Qualifiers, national team program director and head coach Chot Reyes insists there’s still no player with a “lock” at a ticket to the World Cup.

“There are no shoo-ins in the team. There’s no one with a lock, and that goes for everyone. That goes for all the local players, and even the naturalized players,” said Reyes at the end of their rollercoaster ride across six qualifying windows since last year.

Gilas wrapped up its campaign with a tough 91-90 setback against Jordan over the weekend at the Philippine Arena.

The Nationals, holders of an outright slot to the World Cup as main host of the FIBA showpiece, fought back from as many as 25 points down before missed free throws by Scottie Thompson and a flubbed jumper by Ray Parks at the buzzer allowed Jordan to escape and force a 1-1 split in their matchups.

A silver lining shining bright was Justin Brownlee’ superb outing against Lebanon and opposite Jordan.

The resident Barangay Ginebra import flashed his brilliance in a historic Gilas debut highlighted by a 41-point explosion – matching the highest in the entire Qualifiers – against Jordan that raised comparisons with NBA ace Jordan Clarkson as the Gilas’ man for the World Cup.

But Reyes sees it not as a dilemma but a luxury of options with center Ange Kouame also on deck as another naturalized player.

“Well, first of all, with Justin’s performance, there’s little to say. You all saw how effective Justin is and how well he played. As regards who the naturalized player is, Justin has always known that he makes himself available for whatever is required by the team,” said Reyes.

“If we need someone to play in specific tournaments, if we need someone to play as a back-up for Jordan Clarkson, he’s willing to play that role.”

Before the World Cup, Gilas also competes in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.