Baldwin names 12-man Gilas lineup for FIBA Asia

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin (Wikipedia photo)

MANILA – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) released yesterday the names of players who will be part of the Gilas Pilipinas 12-man lineup for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships to be held in Changsha, China by the end of the month.

Head coach Tab Baldwin handpicked the final 12 players from the 18-man pool.

Comprising the national team were Calvin Abueva, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Dondon Hontiveros, JC Intal, Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Terrence Romeo, Matt Ganuelas Rosser, Asi Taulava, Sonny Thoss and naturalized player Andray Blatche.

Many were disappointed after learning that Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson will not be playing for Gilas Pilipinas as the SBP failed to get the approval of FIBA and Los Angeles Lakers.

“We did all that we could to have Jordan Clarkson join Gilas for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship but we are saddened to report that we are not able to beat the deadline to secure the necessary clearances on time,” the SBP said in a statement.

Clarkson was disappointed on missing out. Supporting the national team in the recently concluded William Jones Cup, the Filipino-American player wanted to be part of the team for the long haul.

“I’m very disappointed I won’t be able to play with the Gilas National Team during the FIBA Asia Championships from September 23 to October 3,” Clarkson said.

“Upon my return from supporting Gilas in The Jones Cup, I had a great talk with my dad. I told him of my experiences with the team and how passionate I was about representing an entire country.

My Dad told me to follow my heart,” he added.