Gilas Finally Completes Roster For 33rd SEA Games

Gilas Pilipinas has finalized its 12-man roster for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, after weeks of uncertainty resulting from multiple eligibility rule changes from host nation Thailand. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirmed the lineup after what it described as a tedious back and forth with organizers. It was the fourth version of the roster submitted.

The Philippines will head to Bangko to defend its men's basketball gold medal and attempt to secure a historic 20th SEA Games title.

The finalized team is a balanced mix of PBA veterans and rising young talent. Cedirck Manzano, Justin Chua, Abu Tratter, and Allen Liwag were the most recent additions, shoring up the team's frontline after several players were deemed ineligible. They join Dalph Panopio, Von PEssumal, Robert Bolick, Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks, and Veejay Pre. Jamie Malonzo is currently playing in Japan but has committed to joining the national team.

Analysts have noted that there is positive public sentiment surrounding Philippine basketball, both in terms of domestic leagues and fan engagement. This is reflected in the growth of sports betting in Philippines, especially as major tournaments like the SEA Games increase national interest in the sport. The increased enthusiasm shows how closely Filipinos follow the ups and downs of Gilas Pilipinas, even in a year when there has been a lot of uncertainty in the roster.

This uncertainty began when Thailand constantly updated its eligibility guidelines. It eventually enforced a rule that prevented naturalized players from competing in the men's 5x5 event. The decision removed Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame from the lineup.

The updated rules also prevented Filipino-Americans Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Mike Phillips, Kymani Ladi, and Remy Martin from playing. SBP officials said these last-minute changes forced them to rebuild almost their entire roster, and multiple versions were submitted before approval on December 4, 2025.

After a tedious back and forth due to initially unclear and constantly changing rules in player eligibility, we at the SBP have submitted this list to the local organizing committee and it has been vetted and has undergone pre-approvals, the federation said in a statement. It also thanked athletes who dropped other commitments to represent the country. We extend our deepest appreciation to all the players for dropping everything to compete for Gilas.

Matters were further complicated due to player availability and overlapping schedules in the PBA, UAAP, NCAA, and MPBL. Several players who were first included, like Jason Brickman, Geo Chiu, and Dave Ildefonso, had to withdraw as their MPBL team, Abra, advanced to the league's National Finals.

Norman Black, Head Coach, who guided the selection process, will now lead a resilient group of experienced and collegiate players. Former NCAA MVP, Liwag, joined the team just a few days before finalization. Manzano committed shortly after completing his collegiate season. Chua and Tratter, from Blackwater, stepped up from the PBA when eligibility restrictions were tightened.