Clarkson, Brownlee, Kouame banner Gilas Pilipinas pool for FIBA World Cup

Jordan Clarkson, and naturalized players Justin Brownlee, and Ange Kouame, have been included in the Philippine national team's pool of players for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas released the list late Tuesday night, less than 80 days before tip-off on August 25.

Clarkson last played for Gilas Pilipinas during the fourth window of the World Cup Qualifiers, while Kouame last suited up during the fifth window.

Brownlee, meanwhile, last donned the national colors during the gold medal redemption of the Philippines in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and previously played for Gilas in the sixth window of the qualifiers.

While the three are part of the pool of players, only one naturalized player is allowed to be included in the team. 

Others in the pool include:

• Dwight Ramos
• Chris Newsome
• Kiefer Ravena
• CJ Perez
• Rhenz Abando
• Jordan Heading
• RR Pogoy
• Scottie Thompson
• Jamie Malonzo
• Thirdy Ravena
• Japeth Aguilar
• Poy Erram
• Carl Tamayo
• Ray Parks, Jr.
• June Mar Fajardo
• Kai Sotto
• AJ Edu
• Calvin Oftana

While this is Edu's first time to be included in the Gilas lineup for the World Cup, he has already played for the Philippines in the FIBA U-18 Asian Championship back in 2018.

The Philippines will play the Dominican Republic first at the Philippine Arena on the opening day of the group phase, followed by Angola (August 27) and Italy (August 29) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. —NB, GMA Integrated News