Gilas final roster out

These are the guys we’re going to war with, although Greg (Slaughter) could be added if he proves to be 100 percent by the start of the SEA Games.

KIEFER Ravena takes aim for his fifth straight SEA Games gold medal.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone named his final 12 players for the coming 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Leading the squad is five-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer and NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena, who will be shooting for fifth straight SEA Games gold medal.

Gilas mainstays Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy are turning to the national team while Christian Standhardinger is suiting up for the Philippine team anew for the biennial meet as he also played in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Veteran guard LA Tenorio also made it to the final cut in what could be his final tour of duty for the Philippine team while one-time Gilas campaigners Matthew Wright, Marcio Lassiter and Stanley Pringle also made the squad.

Debuting for the national team are Vic Manuel of Alaska and Beermen guard Chris Ross.

“These are the guys we’re going to war with, although Greg (Slaughter) could be added if he proves to be 100 percent by the start of the SEA Games,” Cone told Daily Tribue.

Aside from Slaughter, Art dela Cruz and Scottie Thompson were also cut from the final lineup.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panililio bared that their selection process for final lineup was a tough one, especially for a squad that is loaded with veteran and young talents.

“Although the decision was not surely easy, the SBP has complete trust in the team, and we are excited to defend our crown,” Panlilio said.