FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers: Aguilar, Wright back for Gilas vs. Qatar

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Sunday announced the final lineup for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers game against Qatar on Monday.

Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright will make a return to the Gilas lineup after serving their one-game suspension imposed by FIBA as a result of the bench brawl against Australia last July. Aguilar and Wright will replace Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan.

SBP described the duo's return as a "welcome development."

"Japeth's quickness, perimeter scoring as well as his above the rim athleticism combined with his vast experience in the international brand of play will surely be an added boost in our battle against Qatar," SBP said in a statement.

The SBP also expects the return of Wright as a solution to the problem of outside shooting. The Philippines converted only five out of 28 three-point attempts during their game against Iran.

Stanley Pringle will replace Christian Standhardinger as Gilas' naturalized player. "The inclusion of Stanley Pringle will add stability in our guard rotation as we want to take advantage of our quickness against the guards of Qatar," SBP added.

Here is the final lineup against Qatar:

• Japeth Aguilar
• Beau Belga
• Alex Cabagnot
• Paul Lee
• Poy Erram
• Marcio Lassiter
• Gabe Norwood
• Stanley Pringle
• Ian Sangalang
• Asi Taulava
• Scottie Thompson
• Matthew Wright

Gilas currently holds a 4-3 record in the qualifiers, while Qatar has two wins and five losses. They will play tomorrow in a closed door game at the Araneta Coliseum. — Justin Kenneth Carandang/BM, GMA News