Gilas provides Millora-Brown, Abarrientos, Kouame to World Cup qualifiers pool

Gilas Pilipinas brings in Quentin Millora-Brown, RJ Abarrientos, and Ange Kouame, and welcomes again Kai Sotto to its pool because it gears up for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas expanded its pool to 16 gamers for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with the official additions of Quentin Millora-Brown, RJ Abarrientos, and naturalized huge man Ange Kouame.

The 6-foot-10 Millora-Brown and 6-foot-11 Kouame bolster a stacked frontline, whereas Abarrientos gives head coach Tim Cone an alternative choice on the guard spot.

Additionally within the pool is returning star Kai Sotto, who is anticipated to be again in motion within the opening window in November after being out for nearly a complete yr following his knee damage in February.

The 4 will be part of the 12 gamers who represented the nation within the FIBA Asia Cup: Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, June Mar Fajardo, Kevin Quiambao, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, and Jamie Malonzo.

“Continuity continues to be the principle precedence of coach Tim Cone however we noticed it match so as to add a few items to the coaching pool,” mentioned Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.

Millora-Brown varieties a triple tower with 6-foot-10 Edu and 7-foot-3 Sotto as he secured his native standing from FIBA after being earlier labeled as a naturalized participant.

In a earlier interview, Cone mentioned the plan is to have Millora-Brown play within the first window, the place the Philippines will face Guam in back-to-back video games this November.

“We’re excited to have QMB within the pool,” mentioned Panlilio. “[T]alking to educate Tim, he’s sure a man like QMB can shine within the system that we now have.”

Kouame and Abarrientos get one other shot at donning the nationwide colours years after they final represented the nation in FIBA competitors.

Abarrientos vied for a spot within the Asia Cup roster however turned one of many final two cuts, whereas Kouame practiced with the nationwide workforce over the previous two years.

“Clearly, Justin will nonetheless be the best choice by way of having a naturalized participant within the lineup however we have to reap the benefits of truly having a number of naturalized gamers,” mentioned Panlilio.

Bunched in Group A, the Philippines can even face high groups Australia and New Zealand within the succeeding home windows. – Rappler.com