JAMIE Malonzo and Geo Chiu are taking over the slots of Justin Brownlee and Ange Koaume in Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball tournament.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has yet to release a statement, but sources said Malonzo and Chiu have been included due to organizers deciding naturalized players are no longer allowed in the 5-on-5 competitions.
That means Malonzo is joining the SEA Games national team, being the only player from the main Gilas pool who will play in the biennial meet.
He is a;so under consideration for the Philippines' 12-man line-up for its upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers matches against Guam and is currently a free agent after he was released by Japan B.League team Kyoto months ago.
Chiu, meanwhile, is playing for title favorites Abra Weavers in the MPBL and is the No. 1 pick of Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Draft.
The two will be teaming up with Ray Parks, Thirdy Ravena, Remy Martin, Matthew Wright, Jason Brickman, Dave Ildefonso, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Mike Phillips, Kymani Ladi, and Veejay Pre in the Gilas side coached by Norman Black.
Kouame still suiting up in SEA Games
Koaume, however, will still play in the SEA Games - but in the 3x3 tournament, which he himself confirmed in an interview during Meralco’s recent trip to Cebu City in the EASL.
Koaume will be joining forces with PBA player Joseph Eriobu, UAAP player Janrey Pasaol, and Joseph Sedurifa, according to sources.
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