E-Gilas Pilipinas returns to action in the second edition of the FIBA Esports Open slated from November 14 to 15, seeking to impose its dominance in the Southeast Asia/Oceania conference.

Unlike the first edition where it faced only Indonesia, reigning supreme with a five-game sweep to rule the Southeast Asia division, the Philippines will also now go up against Australia.

NBA 2K veterans Aljon “Shintarou” Cruzin, Philippe “IzzoIV” Herrero IV, Rial “Rial” Polog Jr, Clark “Clark” Banzon, and Custer “Custer” Galas, who all saw action in the inaugural edition, will lead the team.

Completing the team, which is backed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), are Rocky “Rak” Braña and Arnie “ElChapo” Sison, who replaced Al “Alt” Timajo.

All Filipino players boast of a 99 rating, the highest in the NBA 2K game.

“I’m confident that Team Pilipinas will once again show the best of what our country has to offer in the sport that we Filipinos love – whether on the hardcourt or online,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.

The Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia will play each other thrice, with the top two teams advancing to the best-of-three-finals. – Rappler.com