#23for23: Kobe, Thirdy, Kai Sotto being considered for Gilas 2023

Five years before the Philippines co-hosts the FIBA World Cup in 2023, several names are already being considered to form the future national team.

On Twitter Friday morning, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes revealed some of the young players being considered for the Gilas Pilipinas pool. He, however, clarified that the list was "by no means final."

By no means final but for now #23for23 #?????????????? #thefuture #playlouderin2023 #basketballiscominghome pic.twitter.com/Iggk4gtnpR

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 5, 2018

Kobe Paras, 20, leads the roster of young players being eyed to join the pool.

Several members of the UAAP defending champions Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles, namely Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, and Matt Nieto are also on the initial list.

High school standout Kai Sotto, who stands at 7'2" at just 16 years old, also made it to the initial roster of possible members. This makes him the tallest among everyone included in the said pool.

King Lion Robert Bolick is also on the list, together with fellow NCAA standouts CJ Perez and Javee Mocon.

Here is the full list of the 23 players being considered for the initial Gilas pool:

• Robert Lee Bolick
• CJ Perez
• Juan Gomez de Liaño
• Remy Martin
• Matt Nieto
• Paul Desiderio
• Thirdy Ravena
• JJ Alejandro
• James Tuffin
• Jeo Ambobot
• Kobe Paras
• Dwight Ramos
• Joshua Sinclair
• Arvin Tolentino
• Javee Mocon
• Kai Sotto
• Isaac Go
• Abu Tratter
• AJ Edu
• Carl Vincent Tamayo
• Kenmark Cariño
• Will Allen Gozum
• Troy Rike

The youngest on the list are Sotto and Tamayo, both 16 years old, while the oldest is National University's JJ Alejandro, 22.

FIBA announced its decision to award the 2023 World Cup hosting rights to the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand last December. — MDM, GMA News