Gomez de Liaño Called Up as Gilas Replaces Injured Scottie Thompson

Gilas Pilipinas has made a last-minute adjustment to its roster for Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, with Juan Gomez de Liaño replacing the injured Scottie Thompson.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced the change on Friday, just a day after revealing the initial lineup for the team’s upcoming games against Australia and New Zealand.

Thompson, who has been dealing with a bruised hamstring, decided to prioritize his recovery and withdraw from national team duty. The Barangay Ginebra star played through the injury during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals and helped the Gin Kings win the championship. He was named Finals MVP after delivering 19 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in Game 7.

With Thompson sidelined, Gomez de Liaño returns to the national team after making his debut under head coach Tim Cone during Window 2 last February. His addition adds more youth to the roster alongside newcomers Justine Baltazar and Mike Phillips.

Veteran forward Troy Rosario has also been included after a long absence from the national team setup.

The rest of the core group remains intact, led by naturalized player Justin Brownlee, along with RJ Abarrientos, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Carl Tamayo.

Gilas Pilipinas will face Australia and New Zealand in Window 3 as it continues its campaign for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.