Juan GDL in, Calvin Oftana returns for Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 2

Juan Gomez de Liaño and Calvin Oftana are set for action as Gilas Pilipinas hosts two powerhouse nations in Window 2 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this week. 

Gomez de Liaño finally made coach Tim Cone's lineup, while Calvin Oftana is returning from an injury that sidelined him during the opening window last year that saw the Filipinos dominate Guam for a 2-0 start. 

Gomez de Liaño replaces RJ Abarrientos in the lineup while Oftana will take the spot left by Japeth Aguilar, who announced his retirement from the national team in their second game against the Guamanians last December 1. 

Justin Brownlee will banner the 12-man lineup together with other usual suspects June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson.

Quentin Millora-Brown is also tipped for his second tour of duty for Gilas following his debut in the first window. 

Gilas Pilipinas will face world no. 25 New Zealand on Thursday before locking horns with no. 6 Australia on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Gilas and Australia are currently both 2-0 in Group A while both New Zealand and Guam feature a 0-2 card.

READ MORE | Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 2

—JKC, GMA Integrated News