Castro, TNT core complete Gilas roster for February qualifiers

Veteran Jayson Castro could make his return on the international scene as he was included in the 22-man pool of Gilas Pilipinas for the February window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers starting February 24.

Castro, who was part of the 2014 World Cup team, was listed in the roster that FIBA released on Tuesday night.

The 35-year-old guard will be joined by teammates JJay Alejandro, Gab Banal, Carl Bryan Cruz, Poy Erram, Matt Ganuela-Rosser, Brian Heruela, Glenn Khobuntin, Kib Montalbo, Will Navarro, Ryan Reyes, Troy Rosario, and Kelly Williams.

RR Pogoy was also listed in the roster but is likely to sit out due to a left calf strain he sustained just as the PBA Governors' Cup returned last week.

The TNT core will boost a young lineup composed of Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos, both of whom flew back to the Philippines from Japan.

Also part of the squad are youngsters Juan Gomez de Liaño, Ange Kouame, Lebron Lopez, Will Navarro, Tzaddy Rangel, and Jaydee Tungcab.

The Philippines will open its campaign against South Korea on February 24 before facing India and New Zealand on February 25 and 27, respectively, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Gilas Pilipinas will then close out the window against Korea anew on the 28th. — LA, GMA News