Head coach Yeng Guiao and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) formally released the 12-man roster of Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

This year, Norwood will play the role Jimmy Alapag played in Spain

Although many will inevitably argue over its merits and omissions, I actually honestly feel pretty good about this team that will campaign against 31 of the best countries in the world.

Let’s go down the line, looking at each player and trying to see what kind of impact each one can make for Gilas Pilipinas.

Aguilar played in 11 games in the Qualifiers, averaging 5.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 52.4 percent from the field. His length and athleticism are his primary skills, and he would be expected to help mainly in rebounding and rim protection.

Almazan played in just one Qualifiers match, putting up five points and four rebounds against Iran.

He was an unexpected choice, but widely seen as a replacement for injured JP Erram, who seemed ahead of him in the depth chart. Still, Almazan’s length and tenacity can make him a great asset up front.

Barroca made a successful return to the national team in the Qualifiers, playing in two games, averaging 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. He will likely start most games and his quickness and experience can make him a solid playmaker.

The former Brooklyn Net is the biggest name on the roster and he has the potential to make the biggest impact. I’m not sure if we can expect him to duplicate his numbers from Spain 2014, but if his Qualifiers stats are any indication (16.0 points, 12.4 rebound, 3.9 assists, 2.1 blocks, 2.0 steals per game), then he should be out best player in China.

The former San Beda University stalwart was not expected to make it to the final roster months ago, but the injury to Marcio Lassiter and his great performance at the Torneo de Malaga made him a tantalizing choice.

His knack for scoring and his ferocity make him an exciting prospect at the perimeter.

Fresh from winning its second conference title this season, San Miguel Beer released the Kraken to the national team, and here’s to hoping Fajardo makes a bigger impact in China than he did in Spain.

He saw action in 10 games in the Qualifiers, averaging a respectable 10.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per contest while shooting 55.6 percent from the floor.

Barroca’s backcourt partner will be very familiar since they play together for the Hotshots.

Lee will play in his second World Cup, and again, we hope he would make a bigger impact than five years ago. If his Qualifiers numbers are anything to go by, though (8.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game on top of 35.7 percent shooting for the three-point area), then he may just be a solid contributor from the backcourt.

This year, Norwood will play the role Jimmy Alapag played in Spain.

The former George Mason University star will be the voice of experience, calmness, and wisdom for Gilas. His defensive presence will be crucial, too, and if he can also still display that exciting athleticism and shooting, Gilas will be all the better.

Like Bolick, Perez didn’t play in the Qualifiers, but if his first season in the Philippine Basketball Association is any indication, then the former Lyceum of the Philippines University standout should be a great energy guy. My big concern for him will be his size since he will likely play either wing position and routinely go up against guys four to five inches bigger than him.

Pogoy is probably still smarting from losing in the Commissioner’s Cup finals, but he will have to set that aside as he will be the designated shooter for Gilas at the World Cup, especially since they won’t have Lassiter and Matthew Wright in tow.

Pogoy’s versatility will be key, especially on defense, where he is probably our most consistent perimeter stopper outside Norwood.

We were all pumped to see Ravena’s return from his 18-month suspension, and it will be exciting to see what kind of impact he will make in his first World Cup appearance. His shooting, slashing, and poise will be tested as he goes up against the likes of Marco Belinelli, Milos Teodosic, and Carlos Morais in Foshan.

Rosario may very well be the barometer for this team’s success in China. His combination of size, athleticism, shooting, and mobility make him a versatile big man and if he is able to raise his level of play, that will take a lot of pressure off guys like Blatche and Fajardo to carry this team.