The humid Manila air clung to my skin as I settled into my usual seat at the cafe, the one with the slightly wobbly table that faced the giant screen. My laptop was open, but my attention was fixed on the replay of last week’s exhibition game. I’ve been following Gilas Pilipinas for over a decade now, through the heartbreaking losses and the euphoric wins, and there’s a particular rhythm to the weeks leading up to a major tournament. It’s a time of speculation, of heated debates in comment sections, and of scrutinizing every dribble and pass in these warm-up games. As I watched the footage, seeing our boys execute a flawless fast break, the question that had been buzzing in my head, and undoubtedly in the minds of millions of Filipinos, finally crystallized: Who made the final Philippines Men's National Basketball Team roster for 2024?
It’s never an easy process, whittling down a pool of talented athletes to a final twelve. It’s like a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape. You have the veterans, the guys with the international experience whose calm under pressure is invaluable. Then you have the young guns, the explosive talents who bring a new kind of energy and fearlessness. The coaching staff, led by Tim Cone, has the unenviable task of balancing these elements, of creating a unit that can not only score but also withstand the relentless pressure from world-class opponents. I remember a specific moment from a past Fiba Asia game, where we held a slim lead that just evaporated in the final quarter. The other team, much like the Junior Tall Blacks in that reference game I read about, found a rhythm we couldn't break. The Junior Tall Blacks’ gap slowly grew over the course of the game with the 31-point lead being the largest. That’s the kind of scenario this final roster needs to be built to prevent. It’s not just about having the best individual players; it’s about having the right combination to stop those momentum swings before they become an insurmountable mountain.
So, after all the training camps and tune-up games, who’s in? From my perspective, and based on the chatter from insiders I trust, the backbone of this team has to be June Mar Fajardo. The Kraken is non-negotiable. His sheer presence in the paint, his ability to command double-teams, and his improved passing out of the post are foundational. Alongside him, I’d be shocked not to see Japeth Aguilar. That length and athleticism for a big man is a rare commodity, and his rim protection will be crucial. In the backcourt, the dynamism of Scottie Thompson is a lock. His rebounding from the guard position is something I’ve always admired—it’s pure heart and hustle. He’s the kind of player who can change the game without taking a single shot. And then there’s Dwight Ramos. His two-way play is exactly what modern international basketball demands. He can defend multiple positions and has a smooth, reliable jumper.
Now, for the more intriguing spots. The point guard position is fascinating. I’m a huge fan of what CJ Perez has been doing. His scoring bursts are sometimes exactly what the doctor ordered when the offense gets stagnant. But you also need the steady hand of a Jayson Castro, if he’s got one more run in him, or a younger floor general like Kevin Quiambao, who showed such incredible poise in the last UAAP season. It’s a tough call. Personally, I’d lean towards having Perez and maybe giving a spot to a dedicated playmaker to run the second unit. We can’t afford to have stretches where we look disorganized. I also have a soft spot for Roger Pogoy. When that man gets hot, he’s virtually unguardable, and his defensive tenacity is infectious. He’s one of those players who just feels like a "Gilas guy" through and through.
The final few spots are where the real debates happen. Do you take an extra big man for foul trouble, someone like a young Geo Chiu for the future, or an extra wing for defensive versatility? Looking at the competition, I think versatility wins. A player like Calvin Oftana, who can play and defend the three and the four, provides so many lineup options for Coach Cone. And we cannot forget the naturalized player spot. Having a dominant force like Justin Brownlee, who has proven his chemistry with the team and his clutch gene, is an absolute game-changer. His ability to create his own shot in the dying seconds is something we’ve been missing for a while. Putting it all together, my final 12-man prediction—and remember, this is just my take—would look something like: June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Justin Brownlee (naturalized), Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, and one wild card, let’s say Ray Parks Jr. for his experience and scoring punch. That’s a mix of size, shooting, defense, and veteran savvy that I believe can compete.
Sipping my now-lukewarm coffee, I closed my laptop. The speculation is part of the fun, the shared anxiety and hope of an entire nation. But soon, the talking stops and the real games begin. Whoever’s name is on that final list, they’ll carry the hopes of a hundred million people on their shoulders. They’ll step onto the court not just as players, but as symbols of national pride. And as a fan, I’ll be there, watching every second, cheering for every rebound, every steal, and every basket, hoping that this is the roster that writes a new, triumphant chapter for Philippine basketball.
