Gilas Finalizes Roster for FIBA Qualifiers’ Key Tests
Juan Gomez de Liaño is back in the national fold, and Calvin Oftana has returned from injury as Gilas Pilipinas finalizes its 12-man roster for Window 2 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced the lineup on February 25, setting the stage for two crucial home games against New Zealand on February 26 and Australia on March 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Philippines heads into the window unbeaten at 2-0 in Group A, level with Australia, while New Zealand and Guam remain winless at 0-2. With higher-ranked opposition looming — Australia sits at world No. 6 and New Zealand at No. 25 — the roster adjustments signal both continuity and calculated change under coach Tim Cone.
A Return Years in the Making
“Juan Gomez de Liaño finally made coach Tim Cone’s lineup, while Calvin Oftana is returning from an injury.”
For Gomez de Liaño, the call-up marks a comeback to the national team after a four-year absence. “Gomez de Liano’s inclusion marked his return to active duty to the national team after last donning the national tricolors in 2021 under then head coach Tab Baldwin.”
The 26-year-old playmaker replaces RJ Abarrientos in the final lineup. Team officials expect him to strengthen the backcourt rotation with size and scoring.
“The 26-year-old playmaker is expected to not only provide an additional scoring punch but also the size at the guard position especially against the heftier point guards of New Zealand.”
In a qualifying campaign where matchups often hinge on physicality and perimeter defense, Gomez de Liaño’s frame and versatility could prove decisive.
Oftana Fills the Void Left by Aguilar
Oftana, who missed Window 1 due to injury, returns to active duty and effectively takes the place of veteran forward Japeth Aguilar, who retired from national team service on December 1, 2025 after Gilas defeated Guam.
His return adds another scoring option on the wing and restores balance to a roster that blends experienced PBA standouts with emerging talent and overseas-based players.
The Final 12
The roster for Window 2 reflects coach Tim Cone’s preference for depth, defensive flexibility, and international experience. The 12-man lineup includes:
- Justin Brownlee
- June Mar Fajardo
- AJ Edu
- Chris Newsome
- CJ Perez
- Kevin Quiambao
- Dwight Ramos
- Carl Tamayo
- Scottie Thompson
- Quentin Millora-Brown
- Juan Gomez de Liaño
- Calvin Oftana
Final cuts included RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and Justine Baltazar, decisions that have sparked discussion among fans about rotation depth and selection strategy.
Unbeaten, but Tested
The Philippines opened its qualifying campaign strongly in Window 1, finishing 2-0. Yet Window 2 presents steeper challenges. Australia’s world No. 6 ranking underscores its pedigree, while New Zealand’s structured, physical style has historically tested Asian squads.
Home-court advantage at the Mall of Asia Arena could provide a lift. The venue, known for hosting some of the country’s most significant basketball moments, is expected to draw thousands of supporters. With ticket prices typically ranging from PHP 100 to PHP 1,500, the games remain accessible to families and young fans.
Still, matchdays may bring heavier traffic to Pasay City, a familiar trade-off whenever major sporting events unfold in Metro Manila.
A Balancing Act of Experience and Youth
The lineup illustrates an evolving Gilas identity. Veterans like June Mar Fajardo and naturalized player Justin Brownlee anchor the squad, while younger talents such as Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo represent the program’s future.
The inclusion of overseas-based and PBA players reflects a broad recruitment net cast by the SBP, the national federation recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission. The approach mirrors modern international basketball, where roster construction demands adaptability as much as star power.
Beyond the Hardwood
For many Filipinos, basketball serves as both pastime and pressure valve. In barangays where improvised hoops outnumber public courts, national team victories resonate deeply. Gilas games often function as communal gatherings, uniting spectators across income levels and political divides.
Window 2, therefore, is more than a pair of fixtures in a qualifying calendar. It is a referendum on cohesion — on how quickly returning players can integrate and how effectively coach Tim Cone’s system can withstand elite competition.
With an unbeaten record on the line and higher-ranked opponents ahead, Gilas Pilipinas now steps onto familiar hardwood carrying both expectation and opportunity. The margin between progress and setback may be narrow, but the stakes — pride, momentum, and a clearer path to the 2027 World Cup — are unmistakably high.
