MANILA (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - Philippines head coach Tab Baldwin will have a mix of veterans and newcomers in his squad when it runs onto the court in Changsha on 23 September for the start of the FIBA Asia Championship.

In the Gilas team that has been announced are several of the players who featured at last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup and did so well, including naturalized center Andray Blatche.

Other players to have logged games with the national team over the years that will be in China are Jayson William, Ranidel De Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Asi Taulava, Sonny Thoss and Dondon Hontiveros.

William was a member of the All-Star Five when the Philippines hosted the FIBA Asia Championship two years ago and finished runners-up to clinch a spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

As for the new faces, Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and JC Intal have impressed Baldwin in the build-up and earned places on the roster.

Jimmy Alapag, who had retired from the national team last year but decided to make himself available for selection again this summer, has not been included.

Gary David, Troy Rosario and Aldrech Ramos were also surplus to requirements this time.

There was a chance that Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson might play as a Filipino-American but that first appearance in the national team shirt for him will have to wait.

The country's basketball federation needed more time to prove the player would be able to suit up as a Filipino.

Gilas will play in Group B against Palestine, Kuwait and Hong Kong.

The winner of the FIBA Asia Championship will qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, while the teams that finish second, third and fourth will be invited to take part in one of the three FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs).

Philippines final roster for 2015 FIBA Asia Championship: Calvin Abueva, Andray Blatche, Ranidel De Ocampo, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Dondon Hontiveros, JC Intal, Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris,Terrence Romeo, Asi Taulava, Sonny Thoss and Jayson William.

FIBA