Lineup for 4th window could be what Gilas needs in World Cup, says Chot, Dwight

With how Gilas Pilipinas performed in the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, head coach Chot Reyes said this team could be what's needed when the country hosts the tournament next year.

Reyes shared that they will still look at some other players to be included in the pool but said the roster for this August window could shape up to be the core that will banner the Philippine in the World Cup.

"Yes, there's still some guys that we want to look at but by and large, yeah," said Reyes when asked whether he found the core players for the World Cup from this specific lineup.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) initially named a 24-man pool but only brought 13 players in Beirut with Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto leading the way.

The duo joined Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, and Carl Tamayo.

In the game against Saudi Arabia, Gilas inserted the debuting Roosevelt Adams as Tamayo joined the University of the Philippines team in Korea.

Ramos agreed that the recent lineup they had could be one of their strongest ones.

"Yes, I think so. It's very strong in my opinion and I think if anything, it's [just] minor tweaks [and] a couple of players, but whatever the coaches decide, that's what we're gonna go with," Ramos said.

"But I think this team is good already."

Gilas still has two windows left before the global tilt, with the fifth window set to be played in November while the sixth window is slated for February 2023. Given this, the nationals still have a year left to assemble the best team possible.

"Honestly, I think this is one of our stronger lineups and it was exciting," added Ramos.

—JMB, GMA News