Fajardo, Blatche banner Gilas 12 vs Boomers; Castro out

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas is ready to go.

National team head coach Chot Reyes announced on Wednesday the 12-man lineup he will be leaning on against Australia this Thursday.

The squad is bannered by skipper Gabe Norwood. Gilas’ twin towers in Japeth Aguilar and June Mar Fajardo also make a return to go with the versatile and now-fit Andray Blatche.

The backcourt is comprised of Kevin Alas, Roger Pogoy, and Kiefer Ravena. Carl Bryan Cruz, Allein Maliksi, and Matthew Wright reinforce the wings.

Calvin Abueva, whose inclusion status hovered over Reyes and the national team days before their departure for Australia, made the cut. De La Salle University forward Abu Tratter was also included to the fold.

Two-time Asia’s best point guard Jayson Castro and Jio Jalalon were left out of the lineup. Reyes cited the former’s ankle —which he hurt in games against Phoenix and Ginebra — as a concern. The latter, the mentor noted, is also feeling under the weather.

The Filipinos will tangle with the Boomers at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne (4:15 p.m. Manila time), hoping to go 3-0 in the Asian qualfiiers. They make quick turnaround for their home game slated on Sunday, February 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.