This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
As usual, naturalized star Justin Brownlee leads the Gilas Pilipinas roster alongside other mainstays in June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, and Scottie Thompson
MANILA, Philippines – AJ Edu‘s Gilas Pilipinas return will have to wait.
Still nursing a knee injury, Edu did not make the cut as Gilas Pilipinas unveiled its 12-man lineup against visiting New Zealand on the eve of the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, November 21.
As usual, Justin Brownlee leads the team alongside mainstays June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Japeth Aguilar, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo.
Mason Amos completed the roster as he filled in just like he did in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.
Head coach Tim Cone had hoped to play the 6-foot-10 Edu as he missed the first window of the Asia Cup Qualifiers and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament after sustaining a knee injury last year.
Edu recovered and suited up for the Nagasaki Velca in the Japan B. League this season but he hurt his knee again last November 9.
Aside from Edu, Jamie Malonzo and Ange Kouame also missed the cut, although their exclusions were expected.
Malonzo has not played competitive basketball since he suffered a calf injury in April, while Kouame got tapped by Cone to serve as backup for Brownlee.
Enjoying homecourt advantage, the Nationals shoot for a breakthrough win against the Tall Blacks after losing in all of their four encounters in FIBA setting.
The winner will take solo top spot in Group B as both teams tote 2-0 records. – Rappler.com
