RJ Abarrientos and Justin Arana will miss Gilas Pilipinas’ crucial FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers clash with Jordan on Friday after failing to make the national team’s final 12-man roster.
The two were left out of the lineup for the fourth-window opener at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as head coach Tim Cone opted for a bigger group against a Jordan side that enters the game with a 5-1 record.
The final lineup will be led by the returning Kai Sotto, who is set to make his first appearance for Gilas since November 2024.
Sotto will anchor the frontline alongside June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu, Justine Baltazar and Troy Rosario as the Philippines looks to match Jordan’s size and physicality.
Also making the final 12 are Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Kevin Quiambao, Chris Newsome and Jaymar Perez.
The Philippines will be without naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who remains sidelined while recovering from injuries. Bennie Boatwright is also unavailable as his naturalization and passport requirements have yet to be completed.
Gilas enters Friday’s game with a 2-4 record after losing its last four qualifying games, while Jordan sits at 5-1 and is looking to strengthen its position in the race for a World Cup berth.
The return of Sotto provides a major boost for the Philippines, which is counting on his size and interior presence in a game where there is little room for error.
Gilas will also face Iran on Aug. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena as it tries to keep its World Cup qualification hopes alive. (Adrian Co)
