Thirdy Ravena is back to join 18 other players vying for a spot on the Gilas Pilipinas roster that will in August's 2021 FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirmed Sunday.
The San-En NeoPhoenix guard last played for the nationals in the second window of the tournament's qualifiers early last year, but is now back inside the INSPIRE Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna alongside fellow returnees Allyn Bulanadi, Dave Ildefonso, Matt Nieto, and Rey Suerte who all missed the third window due to injuries.
Back for more are 11 players who had just worn the flag in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade, Serbia earlier this month in naturalized big Ange Kouame, Dwight Ramos, SJ Belangel, Justine Baltazar, William Navarro, RJ Abarrientos, Jordan Heading, Carl Tamayo, Mike Nieto, Geo Chiu, and team captain Isaac Go.
Also getting call-ups are Jaydee Tungcab, Kemark Carino, and Tzaddy Rangel.
The pool would be monitored by Gilas program director and head coach Tab Baldwin and assistant coaches Jong Uichico, Sandy Arespacochaga, Boyet Fernandez, and Sandro Soriano.
SBP Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio said the federation is still in talks with Kai Sotto's camp regarding his availability for the August showpiece.
"We are still aligning with the schedule of Kai. It is a continuing discussion," he commented about the 7-foot-2 Filipino wunderkind set to see action in the Australian National Basketball League.
Gregorio also added that the SBP is willing to add more names into the mix moving forward.
"So far, that is the list of players we have identified. We are open to adding when the situation calls for it," he said.
The Asia Cup would run from August 17 to 29, though rising COVID-19 cases in Indonesia could put that staging in peril.
But the Philippines, according to Gregorio, would go business as usual until FIBA itself postpones or relocates the tournament.
"[There is] no definite course action yet from FIBA. We are closely monitoring. I am sure that FIBA is observing intently as well," he said. "As far as Gilas Men are concerned, we are preparing as if all systems go."