Gilas Pilipinas is bringing fresh firepower into its 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign, with Rhenz Abando and newly naturalized Bennie Boatwright joining the national team’s announced 12-man roster. The squad, led by head coach Tim Cone, is preparing to face Syria and Iran in the fifth window of the Asian Qualifiers in Seremban, Malaysia, later this November.
Abando returns to national team duty for the first time since the 2023 FIBA World Cup, while Boatwright is set to make his Gilas debut. Their inclusion comes as the Philippines adjusts to the absence of Calvin Oftana, who withdrew because of his wife’s pregnancy, and Carl Tamayo, who is sidelined by an ankle injury.
Kai Sotto has also been confirmed for the lineup following uncertainty over his availability. He joins AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, and returning forward Mike Phillips in the frontcourt, while Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, Scottie Thompson, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Chris Newsome, and CJ Perez complete the roster.
The Philippines will face Syria on November 27 and Iran on November 29 as it continues its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup. With Abando’s athleticism, Boatwright’s scoring potential, and Sotto’s presence inside, Gilas heads into the upcoming window with several options as it looks to strengthen its qualifying campaign.