The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has released its 21-member Philippine men's basketball pool for the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023. The pool includes a mix of veterans and young players, with several players who are expected to make their World Cup debuts.
The most notable names in the pool are NBA star Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz, and naturalized players Justin Brownlee, and Ange Kouame.
Other notable names in the pool include Kai Sotto, who expected to miss the earlier part of the training camp as he chases his NBA dream in the United States, and AJ Edu, who played for the Philippines in the FIBA U-18 Asian Championship back in 2018.
Also included are foreign-based talents Dwight Ramos, Rhenz Abado, Keifer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, Jordan Heading, Carl Tamayo and Bobby Ray Parks Jr.
PBA stars make up the majority of the list which includes June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Roger Ray Pogoy, Jamie Malonzo, Poy Erram and Calvin Oftana.
The SBP will select a final 12-man roster for the World Cup in August. The Philippines, which is co-hosting the World Cup with Japan and Indonesia, was drawn into Group A with Italy, Dominican Republic, and Angola. The 2023 FIBA World Cup will be held from August 25 to September 10, 2023.
