2025 SEA Games: Black still optimistic about Gilas’ gold medal hopes despite lineup changes

It may have taken Gilas Pilipinas several revisions to form its squad for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, but head coach Norman Black said the team can still win the gold medal in the biennial meet.

After four revisions, the national team is now a mix of pros who have played locally and abroad, as well as collegiate standouts, as the Philippines aim to remain the kings of Southeast Asian basketball.

The national team is composed of Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks Jr., Jamie Malonzo, Von Pessumal, Robert Bolick, Justin Chua, Dalph Panopio, Abu Tratter, and collegiate standouts Allen Liwag (De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde), Veejay Pre (University of the Philippines), and Ced Manzano (Adamson University).

“I think the process of forming the team has been difficult because of the circumstances, but we still have talented players,” Black said. “They are still quality players, so I expect that we will go there, play our best, and give ourselves a chance to win the championship.”

“But like I said, let’s just take it one game at a time. Let’s start off with Malaysia.”

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino also believes Gilas Pilipinas can defend the title, despite some players, such as Justin Brownlee, being out for this edition of the biennial meet.

“It is still painful not to see some of our players, but Gilas Pilipinas can still do it. They will still be the champion.”

The Philippines will open its campaign on Sunday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News