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#Gilas Pilipinas: Who should replace Kiefer Ravena and Jamie Malonzo in the Asian Games?

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After a disappointing World Cup run, the Gilas Pilipinas are facing another issue at hand. Gilas members who are currently playing overseas opted to play for their current teams instead of participating for the national team ahead of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. That includes Shiga Lakestars’ Kiefer Ravena. Due to a new Japan B-League season, Ravena will be returning to his team and will withdraw from the Gilas lineup. Meanwhile, Jamie Malonzo is also reportedly begging off from the team due to health reasons. With that, who should be Gilas Pilipinas’ replacement for Ravena and Malonzo in the 19th Asiad?

Gilas’ most efficient point guard in the World Cup Kiefer Ravena is back in Shiga!

He has already told the SBP that he will not be part of the team that will play in the #AsianGames. #BLEAGUE

Shiga Lakes pic.twitter.com/kuH3hYqX4q

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 6, 2023

Who should replace Kiefer Ravena and Jamie Malonzo?

Ravena and Malonzo are part of the 12-man lineup submitted by the SBP and POC to the Asian Games Committee last July 25. With the current situation, the Philippines may file for an appeal to make changes to the roster. Since some Filipino players have committed to their teams in Japan and Korea, SBP would be looking at players inside the PBA. Hence, guys like Jordan Heading, Matthew Wright, Robert Bolick, Kobe Paras, Roosevelt Adams, R.J. Abarrientos, Carl Tamayo, Thirdy Ravena, and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. won’t be on this list. Here’s who we think should be replacing Kiefer Ravena and Jamie Malonzo:

Terrence Romeo

We all remembered a Gilas Pilipinas team that once had three floor generals running the court namely Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, and LA Tenorio. But, we also witnessed another great point that once was a member of the Philippines’ national team – Terrence Romeo. Although his level of play dwindled due to injuries, Romeo is still exciting to watch. A few months ago, Romeo suffered a hamstring injury forcing him to be sidelined, but Romeo’s camp believes it’s not that serious.

Known for his ankle-breaking crossovers and elite dribbling skills, TR7 could be a guy the new Gilas should look into. Believe it or not, Romeo is still 31 years old and can offer a lot of things for the upcoming Asian Games. With Kiefer Ravena returning to Japan, CJ Perez could definitely use Romeo’s help as the team’s main playmakers. Perez and Romeo are playing together for the San Miguel Beermen alongside Gilas stalwart June Mar Fajardo. Romeo was also part of the infamous Gilas and Australia brawl back in 2018. The 6-time PBA All-Star joined Gilas in 2015 and has been representing the country in numerous tournaments and FIBA 3×3 events since.

Kevin Alas

PBA All-Star guard Kevin Alas was one of the players Chot Reyes thinks could play on the international stage. Aside from Terrence Romeo and Isaac Go, Reyes mentioned the 31-year-old star’s name before selecting the 24-player pool for the FIBA WC.

Alas, who currently plays for the NLEX Road Warriors, is averaging 14.8 points and 4.2 assists in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The former Letran standout is known for being an aggressive scorer and finisher on the paint. Nicknamed “The Drunken Master” and “Ace Player”, Alas is known for making wild unbalanced shots and his famous scoop layups.

Mikey Williams

After many missed opportunities with the national team, the 19th Asiad could be the perfect time for Mikey Williams to finally join Gilas. Just like Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, Williams is only required a valid Philippine passport in order to participate in the tourney and represent the Philippines.

Williams brought another championship to the TNT Tropang Giga after defeating Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governor’s Cup back in April. The 31-year-old star was awarded the Finals MVP after his superb performance in the championship round. Despite joining the league late in his career, Williams has proved to everyone that he is already one of the best guards in the Philippines. He is a very deadly shooter from beyond the three-point line and an efficient one at that. Because of his exceptional skills, Tim Cone announced that he wants Williams to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas crew for the Asian Games in China.

Arvin Tolentino

Roger Pogoy seems like Gilas Pilipinas’ sharpshooter who could light it up from behind the arc if given enough space. But, another PBA player who could also do the same (or even better) is North Port Batang Pier’s Arvin Tolentino. The 1-time PBA All-Star is slowly becoming better every season. From being just a spot-up shooter, Tolentino improved his game and became an offensive threat in the league.

Arguably the best catch-and-shoot player in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) right now, Arvin Tolentino may turn out what Gilas Pilipinas truly needs. Tolentino is a 6-foot-6 forward putting up 22 points and 6 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 36% from three.

Justine Baltazar

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) star Justine Baltazar has been one of the names we can all agree Gilas should re-consider. A 6-foot-10 forward who can do everything on the court seems like a major factor since the athletic Jamie Malonzo probably won’t be available to play.

Balty also made headlines after he reportedly passed on the PBA draft to stay in MPBL. Then, he is now being slammed for reportedly giving “zero interest” in joining Gilas again, according to coach Tim Cone. Baltar, 26, was part of the young group that surprised everyone during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament two years ago.

Javi Gomez de Liano

PBA rising star Javier “Javi” Gomez de Liano was a former member of the Gilas Pilipinas during the World Cup qualifiers. With how much he improved, Javi could potentially be on the shortlist again to replace Jamie Malonzo.

Javi GDL is one of GDL (Gomez de Liano) brothers who have excelled in basketball. His brother, Juan, was the first Filipino player to ever play in Europe. Right now, Juan GDL is making waves in Korea. Javi may only stand at 6 feet and 5 inches, but at shooting guard, he towers above his opponents.

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