By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will be including Filipino-American swingman Roosevelt Adams in the final playing pool against Saudi Arabia for the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Adams, a former PBA lottery pick drafted by the Terrafirma Dyip, will be replacing Gilas Pilipinas’ starting power forward Carl Tamayo who is set to join the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons’ intensive training camp in Korea.
Several weeks ago, the Fighting Maroons already announced its Korea camp and will face different Korean Basketball League (KBL) clubs in preparation for the upcoming UAAP season.
Tamayo played below his average numbers during their heartbreaking loss against Lebanon and only spent 11 minutes on the court.
With Adams’ inclusion in the roster against Saudi Arabia, the national team is expected to play with more pace.
Adams is a six-foot-five combo forward who can play all five positions and will join a lengthy frontcourt of Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., and Calvin Oftana.
The PBA free agent will have the chance to show his skills and can also play the stretch-four position with his efficient three-point shooting.
Completing the final squad versus Saudi Arabia are Jordan Clarkson, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Kiefer Ravena, and Thirdy Ravena.
Saudi is also coming off a loss against New Zealand, 80-65, and is seeking to bounce back in front of the Filipino fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The head coach of the national team will still be Chot Reyes and will be assisted by veteran tacticians Tim Cone and Jong Uichico.
