The Philippine national men’s basketball team arrived in Taiwan on Friday for the 2017 William Jones Cup that tips off on Saturday.
The 17-player Gilas Pilipinas squad, which will parade a very young squad, will be put to the test as it opens its campaign against Team Canada 150 at the Taipei Peace International Basketball Hall.
Kobe Paras, Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks spearhead the team that also feature national team first-timer Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger.
Also part of the squad are PBA rookies Mac Belo, who is coming back after a long layoff from a knee injury, Matthew Wright, Von Pessumal, Carl Bryan Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, RR Pogoy, Mike Tolomia, Jio Jalalon, Ed Daquioag and Fonzo Gotladera.
6’9″ import Mike Myers, Reymar Jose and Almond Vosotros also reinforce the team which will play non-stop basketball for nine straight days against host Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Iraq, Lithuania, India and Iran.
Game and broadcast schedule of #JonesCup2017 on @TV5manila and @AksyonTV. pic.twitter.com/MnBKi0mg88
— Jutt Sulit (@juttsulit) July 14, 2017
Gilas Pilipinas is aiming to add another medal to the Philippines’ collection of five golds, one silver and three bronzes.
The Philippines is the defending champion of the tournament thanks to the dominance of the import-laden Mighty Sports squad last year.
