Amer, Cruz called up as Gilas takes on Australia

Baser Amer is set to make his Gilas Elite debut, while Carl Cruz makes a national team return on Monday night, when the team battles Australia in Matchday 6 of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. (Photo By Salmonpepperrice – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA — Baser Amer is set to make his Gilas Elite debut, while Carl Cruz makes a national team return on Monday night, when the team battles Australia in Matchday 6 of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Amer and Cruz will replace Jio Jalalon and Allein Maliksi, who played against Chinese Taipei on Friday night.

Staying for Gilas Pilipinas are Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, Junemar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, RR Pogoy, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario, and Matt Wright.

Following Australia’s shock 78-79 loss against Japan on Friday night despite activating NBA players Matthew Dellavedova and Thon Maker, the showdown between Australia and Gilas will now be for the top spot in Group B ahead of the second round of the qualifiers.