MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra forward Troy Rosario and rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, along with Magnolia big man Zavier Lucero and athletic guard Rhenz Abando were included in the Gilas pool, as the national team started its first day of practice in preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The continental showpiece is scheduled on August 5-17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The two Ginebra players showed up on Monday, July 7, just a day after the Gin Kings squeaked past the San Miguel Beermen, 88-87 on an LA Tenorio game-winning triple to force a sudden death PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
Lucero though is still in the United States for a break since Magnolia’s quarterfinal exit, while Abando is preparing with Strong Group Athletics, which is preparing for the 44th William Jones Cup in Taiwan.
Coach Tim Cone confirmed the addition of the four PBA players in compliance to the FIBA requirements to submit a “long list,” shortly after the national team’s practice at the Upper Deck in Ortigas, Pasig.
Naturaized player Justin Brownlee and big man AJ Edu were not around, while other Ginebra players part of the team in attendance include slotman Japeth Aguilar and do-it-all guard Scottie Thompson, as well ss Filipino-American forward Jamie Malonzo.
Also seen in practice were TNT gunner Calvin Oftana, who is also fresh from the Tropang 5G’s 4-2 semis series win against Rain or Shine, along with Meralco wingman Chris Newsome, and San Miguel Beer’s CJ Perez.
Japan B.League imports Dwight Ramos and Carl Tamayo, who just recently won a Korean Basketball League title with the Changwon LG Sakers were also in attendance.
Gilas will play a friendly game against the Macau Black Bears on July 28 at the Araneta Coliseum as part of its FIBA Asia Cup buildup.
The national team opens its group stage match against Taiwan on August 6 (Philippine time), followed by New Zealand (August 7) and Iraq (August 9).
