NOT only one but four naturalized players have been included in the Gilas Pilipinas 19-man pool for the 2019 Fiba World Cup in China.
Andray Blatche is joined by Jordan Clarkson, Christian Standhardinger, and Stanley Pringle as the national team's back-up naturalized players in the list submitted by coach Yeng Guiao to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Monday.
However, Guiao said Gilas is hoping that Fil-American Clarkson can be considered as a local under an appeal the SBP made before Fiba.
The rest of the lineup includes June Mar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Poy Erram, Beau Belga, Raymund Almazan, Gabe Norwood, CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Kiefer Ravena, and Matthew Wright.
The pool was approved by SBP president Al Panlilio and chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan also on Monday.
Out of the pool, the final 12-man roster will be selected to comprise the national team to the World Cup set August 31 to September 15.
Guiao said only the 12 players will travel with Gilas to China, although he's also considering at least bringing along a possible back-up player.
"Bago tayo umalis alam na natin kung sino (final 12)," said the national coach.
Gilas Pilipinas is set to leave for Foshan, China on August 29 or two days before the tournament kicks off.
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