MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ delegation for the 2018 Asian Games will be a mix of Gilas Pilipinas mainstays, Gilas cadets and the core of the TNT KaTropa.

In a report by JC Ancis of ESPN5, Gilas stalwarts Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario will be spearheading the national team that will see action in the Asian Games, which will be held in August in Indonesia.

Joining the 4, who are all TNT players, are their KaTropa teammates Tony Semerad, Jericho Cruz, Don Trollano and Kelly Williams, Gilas cadets Ricci Rivero, Kobe Paras and Abu Tratter and naturalized player Andray Blatche.

The lineup’s announcement comes less than 3 weeks after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, together with the PBA, decided the country will field the core of the KaTropa, members of the cadet squad and one Alaska Aces player. 

Gilas seeks to improve its 7th-place finish in the last edition of the Asiad. The last time the country won a gold medal in basketball in the Asian Games was in 1962.

The Philippines will be mentored by longtime Gilas tactician Chot Reyes. – Rappler.com