Gilas roster for Dubai International Tournament released

Philippine men's basketball national team head coach Chot Reyes took to Twitter on Monday to release the roster that the country will be sending to the 23rd Dubai International tournament, slated for January 10 to 19, 2013.

Dubai roster: Marcus, JR,KG,Ronjay,Matt,Garvo,Greg,RR,Kevin,Ronald,Jake,Justin. 2 slots reserved for @japethaguilar35 and/or Isaac Holstein

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) December 24, 2012

The roster is comprised of naturalized center Marcus Douthit, former Sinag national team members RR Garcia, Jake Pascual, Garvo Lanete, and Greg Slaughter, cadet team members Ronald Pascual and Kevin Alas, FIBA Asia Cup holdovers Jay-R Reyes and Matt Ganuelas, and newcomers KG Canaleta, Ronjay Buenafe and Fil-Am Justin Melton.

Coach Reyes also mentioned that he is reserving two roster spots for NBA-DL draft pick Japeth Aguilar, and another Fil-Am, point guard Isaac Holstein.

Gary D & LA are injured. Keiffer has classes.Sol is ineligible,& for d nth time hindi pinayagan ang Petron players.So wag nyo na hanapin pls

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) December 24, 2012

Reyes had originally wanted to keep 2012 Jones Cup MVP LA Tenorio, and sharpshooter Gary David, holdovers from the FIBA Asia Cup line-up, but injuries forced them out. The former Talk 'N Text mentor also wished for Arwind Santos and 2012 overall number one pick June Mar Fajardo, among five total Petron Blaze Boosters, but none showed up for practice.

Ateneo Blue Eagles standout Kiefer Ravena was unable to make the team due to academic commitments.

The last time the team competed in the Dubai Invitational, they finished in second place, improving on their third place finish in 2010.

Other members of the FIBA Asia Cup line-up are still playing for their PBA teams in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup, preventing them from being included on the roster.

Under Reyes, the pro-based Gilas II squad snagged the 2012 Jones Cup title, but finished just fourth in the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup. - AMD, GMA News