Blatche, Castro, Fajardo lead Gilas 12 vs. Japan in World Cup qualifier

Naturalized center Andray Blatche, veteran guard Jayson Castro, and four-time reigning PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo will lead the Philippines into battle in Group B of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers against Japan in Tokyo on Friday.

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes announced the final lineup on Thursday:

Andrey Blatche
Jayson Castro
June Mar Fajardo
Gabe Norwood
Japeth Aguilar
Matthew Wright
Kiefer Ravena
Roger Pogoy
Calvin Abueva
Troy Rosario
Kevin Alas
Allein Malicsi

Cut from the squad were Raymond Almazan, Mac Belo, and Carl Bryan Cruz.

Gilas' game against Japan is the first step in a series of qualifying matches for the FIBA World Cup in China in 2019.

The national squad will return to Manila to host Chinese Taipei at SMART-Araneta Coliseum on November 27 for Gilas' second qualifying match. — JST/LA, GMA News