A 13-man team, led by Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson and promising big man Kai Sotto, make up the Gilas Pilipinas roster that will travel to Beirut, Lebanon and kick off its campaign in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifier.

Clarkson and Sotto lead the lineup that also include reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson and Barangay Ginebra teammate Japeth Aguilar, as well as Gilas first timers Jamie Malonzo of NorthPort, Chris Newsome of Meralco, and former PBA no.1 overall pick Roosevelt Adams.

Others named to the team by Chot Reyes and his coaching staff made up of Tim Cone and Jong Uichico are returnees Calvin Oftana of NLEX, Japan B. League imports Ray Parks Jr., Dwight Ramos, brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, and University of the Philippines stalwart Carl Tamayo.

The announcement was officially made by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios in a special session of the online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Monday.

Barrios described the team as athletic and has good height and heft.

“We observed and evaluated what is the best mix for the Lebanon trip. That’s our consideration there. They’re not necessarily the best players in the country, but they’re the best team to play against Lebanon based on the available players,” said Barrios, also the SBP spokesperson.

“This is the best combination base sa pagsusuri at pag-aaral ng ating coaching staff,” added the SBP official during the sports program presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Amelie Hotel Manila, Unilever, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The fourth window starts the second round of the qualifier where the national team holds an even 2-2 (win-loss) record in Group E.

The Filipinos will be leaving for Beirut early Tuesday morning for their August 25 match against the host team bannered by FIBA Asia Cup MVP Wael Arakji.

The final 12-man Gilas team will be submitted by the SBP on the eve of the game.

The Cedars finished a close runner-up against Australia during the finals of the Asia Cup, 75-73, the same tournament where they pounded the Filipinos in the group stage, 95-80.

“Mabigat yung Lebanon, but we are confident that we will play well. Siguradong lalaban tayo,” said Barrios.

“So pagdasal natin ang kanilang safety and well-being. We pray for victory, God willing.”

After Lebanon, the national team returns to the country early Saturday morning and prepares for its next game against Saudi Arabia on the 29th at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Barrios said Gilas may or may not tweak the lineup against Saudi Arabia in a game that will have Clarkson playing on local soil for the very first time.