Ryan Reyes, Troy Rosario, Ray Parks make Gilas 12; Abueva out

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has announced the final lineup of the national men's basketball team, also known as Gilas Pilipinas, that will compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

The lineup as announced by former Gilas captain Jimmy Alapag includes:

• Andray Blatche
• Jayson Castro
• June Mar Fajardo
• Gabe Norwood
• Japeth Aguilar
• Ranidel de Ocampo
• Terrence Romeo
• Marc Pingris
• Jeff Chan
• Ray Parks
• Ryan Reyes
• Troy Rosario

Calvin Abueva and L.A. Tenorio were the two players who failed to make the final cut.

According to former national team head coach Chot Reyes, the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff decided to go for size when they cut Abueva and Tenorio from the final roster.

The guards Romeo and Reyes both have the upsize on pint-sized Tenorio, while forwards Parks and Rosario are also taller than the 6-foot-2 Abueva.

"I had Calvin in my list," coach Reyes admitted after the announcement of the final 12-man lineup. "But in the end, the way the coaching staff explained the decision is they really went for size. In his position in the forward spot, Calvin is the shortest."

"Same thing at point guard," he added. "The coaching staff said that if they need to go to their third point guard, they're going to go to Ryan Reyes or Gabe Norwood, who are both taller than LA."

Abueva earned the admiration Filipino fans with his performance in the William Jones Cup and the FIBA Asia Championship last year, and many were shocked that he missed the final cut for the Olympic qualifier.

Tenorio, meanwhile, formerly carried the national team to the gold medal in the William Jones Cup in 2012 and was one leader of the team in the 2014 World Cup in Spain.

Reyes said that Gilas Pilipinas grew concerned about size considering the blowouts the team suffered against Turkey and Italy in their tuneup games.

But even without the two players, the former coach said that the Gilas roster had the tools it needed to compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.

"I think it's a very balanced lineup," Reyes explained. "We've got a lot of shooters which is really a must. I like the size that we have." — APG/DVM, GMA News