After falling short of gaining an automatic seat to the 2016 Rio Olympics, it seems that Gilas Pilipinas will try to do it that hard way by going through the Olympic wildcard qualifiers which will be held next year.
This development comes after the PBA Board of Governors released the 17 players who the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas requested for the Olympic wildcard qualifiers.
There were nine new names in the list who were notably absent during the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship. Six of the players named come from the SMC umbrella, two from Rain or Shine and one from Talk ‘n Text
June Mar Fajardo
Marcio Lassiter
Greg Slaughter
Japeth Aguilar
LA Tenorio
Ian Sangalang
Paul Lee
Jeff Chan
Ryan Reyes
The nine players will join forces with the selected holdovers from Gilas 3.0. which include:
Marc Pingris
Troy Rosario
Calvin Abueva
Gabe Norwood
Matt Ganuelas-Rosser
Ranidel De Ocampo
Jayson Castro
Terrence Romeo
Aside from naming the 17-man national pool, the PBA Board likewise drafted a resolution of fully supporting the Philippine national team starting with the Olympic qualifiers to be held in July next year.
The final 12 players is expected to be named by January with the rest staying on as alternates in case of injuries.
Also, the PBA will take a break after the PBA Commissioners Cup to give way for the team to prepare for the qualifiers. The Olympic Qualifiers will be held from July 4 to 10, 2016.