MANILA (Philippines) - The Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) have formally announced a 20-player preliminary roster for the upcoming Window 5 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.

Philippines preliminary roster for Window 5

Headlining the long list is Kai Sotto, who is currently based in Australia and playing for the Adeliade 36ers in the National Basketball League (NBL).

Joining Sotto as foreign-based talents are Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, and Bobby Ray Parks who are all playing in Japan’s B.League.

Stars in the local Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) make up the majority of the list whether it’s Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, or Jaime Malonzo.

11 players are returning from appearances in Window 5, while the others have played their parts in recent competitions whether it’s the earlier windows, FIBA Asia Cup 2022, or FIBA Asia Cup 2022 Qualifiers.

Among the players listed, however, Arvin Tolentino is the lone player that could potentially make a FIBA debut in Window 5.

The Philippines are currently in third place in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers with a 3-3 record, but are already qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 as co-hosts of the competition. Gilas are coming off a massive win over Saudi Arabia in Window 4, after losing in the last moments to Lebanon in the previous game.

In Window 5, the Philippines will play against Jordan on 10 November before a rematch against Saudi Arabia on 13 November with both games played away from the Philippines.

FIBA