MANILA, Philippines – For the first time since the 2023 FIBA World Cup, high-flyer Rhenz Abando makes his return to Gilas Pilipinas as he rounds out the final-12 roster for the 2027 World Cup Asian qualifiers’ fifth window in Seremban, Malaysia on November 27 and 29.
Hinted as an unnamed surprise addition by Gilas head coach Tim Cone, the Korean Basketball League (KBL) import stands out as the revamped roster’s top attraction alongside new naturalized player and former PBA reinforcement Bennie Boatwright.
Standing at 6-foot-10, the 30-year-old Boatwright creates an intriguing new “twin towers” duo with 7-foot-2 key returnee Kai Sotto, while other young stars AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao, Quentin Millora-Brown, and Mike Phillips make up the imposing frontcourt rotation.
Dwight Ramos once again takes the backcourt helm alongside former PBA MVP Scottie Thompson, as fellow star guards Juan Gomez de Liaño, CJ Perez, and Chris Newsome complete the rest of the roster.
Following a lengthy Senate naturalization process, Boatwright now takes on the monumental task of filling in the void left by longtime Gilas star Justin Brownlee, who remains away from competitive basketball due to a variety of health issues.
“[Boatwright] is due to come in and meet us in Kuala Lumpur on the 23rd, and that’s tough because he hasn’t been with us in any time at all,” Cone said on Wednesday, November 11.
“We’re gonna have to try to figure out a way to make him effective within a system, and try to tweak the system to get him effective. He’s a talented guy, he’s gonna lend a lot of talent to the team, and size, and shooting, so, he’s a welcome addition.”
The 28-year-old Abando, meanwhile, looks to make the most of his national team return following insistent public demand and a steadying KBL import role with the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters.
In his last Gilas foray, Abando posted promising averages of 5.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just 13.5 minutes per game under former coach Chot Reyes before missing out on all national team events throughout the Cone era.
Currently 4-4 in the Group E standings, Gilas looks to sweep its Malaysia leg with wins over Syria on November 27 and Iran on the 29th. – Rappler.com