Talented Cebuano forward Carl Tamayo has been named to the Gilas Pilipinas’ final roster for their game versus vaunted rivals South Korea in the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on Wednesday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports & Cultural Center in Pampanga.
Tip-off is at 6 p.m. with Tamayo—who is the pride of Talisay City—set to don the country’s colors once again. The 6-foot-7 forward previously played for Batang Gilas in numerous international competitions and is set to make his debut for the men’s national team.
Also on the team is 7-foot-4 center Kai Sotto, who like Tamayo, will also be making his debut on the senior’s squad. Also playing for Gilas for the first time are naturalized player Angelo Kouame, Ateneo guard SJ Belangel and Far Eastern University guard RJ Abarrientos.
Back for another tour of duty for Gilas are special Gilas draftees Isaac Go, Mike Nieto, Will Navarro and Jaydee Tungcab. Completing the team are Dwight Ramos, Javi Gomez de Liano and Justine Baltazar.
The Gilas need only a win to book their spot in the main tournament of FIBA Asia Cup. They currently have a perfect 3-0 (win-loss) card in Group A while South Korea has also yet to be defeated in two games. (JNP)