By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas is set to face a tough Italian squad in the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Jordan Clarkson’s Utah Jazz teammate Simon Fontecchio leading the way following the reveal of its final roster on Monday, Aug 14.
Fontecchio is expected to be the main man for the Azzurri which are bringing in a perfect blend of veteran and young talents as they aim to better their 10th place finish in the 2019 World Cup.
Joining the 6-foot-7 forward is former NBA player Luigi Datome who could provide the veteran presence to the team when it takes on other Group A teams Angola and Dominican Republic.
Also part of the final 12 are Nicolo Melli, who also once suited up in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans and the up and coming 21-year-old 6-foot-7 forward Gabrielle Procida.
Completing the cast are Marco Spissu, Mouhamet Diouf, Stefano Tonuti, Alessandro Pajola, Achille Polonara, Giampaolo Ricci, Luca Severini, and Matteo Spagnolo.
Italy, though, just like the other World Cup teams, is also missing some of its top weapons.
The Italians are without Danilo Gallinari, who is expected to focus on his NBA return after suffering from a knee injury during one of the World Cup qualifiers. The injury prevented him from suiting up for the Boston Celtics last season.
Also not playing for Italy, this time, is former Golden State Warriors guard Nico Manion.
Still, Italy remains the heavy favorite to advance to the next round from Group A. Gilas faces Italy on Aug. 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
