Rhenz Abando is set to make his long-awaited return to Gilas Pilipinas, headlining the national team roster announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for the fifth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Abando, a 6-foot-2 high-flying forward, returns to national team duty for the first time since the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He joins newly naturalized player Bennie Boatwright as the squad’s two newest additions ahead of crucial matches against Syria and Iran in Seremban, Malaysia.
The roster also welcomes back Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips, both of whom missed the previous window. In the frontcourt, Kai Sotto is confirmed to anchor the paint alongside AJ Edu, while Dwight Ramos and Kevin Quiambao will manage the wings.
The backcourt rotation features Scottie Thompson, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Chris Newsome, and CJ Perez.
Abando’s return addresses key absences on the wing, filling in for Calvin Oftana—who stepped aside due to his wife’s pregnancy—and Carl Tamayo, who remains sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury.