The Gilas Pilipinas Youth team plunges into action this weekend in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup Seaba qualifiers in Pampanga, with the young Nationals and their coaching staff eyeing more than just a spot in the continental showcase.

Guided by a brain trust made up of Barangay Ginebra and former national men’s team fixtures LA Tenorio and Gabe Norwood and Richard del Rosario, Gilas Youth is focused not only on winning but also on building a developmental pathway closely aligned with the senior program.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but our team is excited to play on our home court,” said Tenorio ahead of the event at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Friday afternoon announced the final roster of 12 set to compete for one of two slots in the Asia Cup later this year.

The roster

The lineup is headlined by stars from UAAP juniors champion University of the East: Carl Delos Reyes and Finals MVP Jolo Pascual. Joining them are Chris Paul Miranda and 6-foot-7 Prince Cariño from the Far Eastern University-Diliman, Andwele Cabañero from the University of Santo Tomas, and Jhustin Hallare from the UP Integrated School.

NCAA standouts Everaigne Cruz (San Sebastian), Jhello Lumague (Letran), and John Restificar (Perpetual Help) bolster the squad, alongside prospects from outside the usual pipelines: Jeremiah Antolin (St. Augustine Pampanga), Ethan Tan-Chi (Faith Academy), and Travis Pascual (Santolan High School).

The Philippines opens its campaign against Vietnam at 7 p.m. on Saturday, before facing Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, as they contest a spot in the continental meet in Mongolia.

“We want to be consistent in concepts and the teaching of defense,” said Del Rosario, a deputy to men’s national coach Tim Cone.

Norwood, who played alongside Tenorio in the World Cup squad in Seville, Spain, praised the talent pool.

“The skill level now with these kids is much higher. You have guys who can make every move, every shot,” Norwood said.