Malonzo, Rosario, Juan GDL cut from Gilas' 12 to FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has finalized the 12-man lineup he's bringing to banner the Philippines in the opening window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers this week. 

Cone bared Monday that new addition Juan Gomez de Liaño, Jamie Malonzo, and Troy Rosario have been cut from the team, but clarified that the troika are still part of the pool. 

READ MORE | Gilas Pilipinas at the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers — Window 1

Kai Sotto won't see action just yet as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury while Ange Kouame will also sit out the tournament as only one naturalized player is allowed to suit up in a FIBA-organized contest. 

TNT sniper Calvin Oftana is also out due to a calf injury. 

With the six out, holdovers Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Cjay Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Carl Tamayo will return for another tour of duty. 

RJ Abarrientos and Quentin Millora-Brown also made it to the final lineup to complete the 12-man roster. 

"It's been an arduous camp this time around. I just really have to make tough decision on coming up with the final 12 because everybody came to work," Cone said during a send-off press conference on Monday.

"And there was no reason for anybody in or out. We have to make a tough decision of keeping Juan, Troy, and Jamie home and we're gonna go with the 12. And that means RJ is gonna be there."

World no. 37 Gilas will open its campaign on the road as the Filipinos battle no. 81 Guam at the latter's home court before flying back to Manila to face the same team at the Blue Eagle Gym.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News