MANILA, Philippines — Some of the best basketball players in the country converged at the Meralco Gym on Monday, as the national team held its first practice of 2018.

Current members of Gilas Pilipinas met some of the possible players of the future, as they were joined by some of the players from the “23 for 23” pool.

Among those present that will likely play in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers were Kiefer Ravena, Troy Rosario, Allein Maliksi, Carl Cruz, Roger Pogoy, Mac Belo, Kevin Alas, Jio Jalalon, Japeth Aguilar, and Jayson Castro.

They were joined by young guns Isaac Go, Thirdy Ravena, Kemark Carino, Paul Desiderio, J-jay Alejandro, Javee Mocon, Robert Bolick, Juan Gomez De Liano, Will Gozum, CJ Perez, Arvin Tolentino, and Jeo Ambohot, all of whom are on Chot Reyes’ pool of possible players for the 2023 FIBA World Cup team.

• READ: Kai Sotto will miss first Gilas 2023 training because of school

As of 8 p.m., June Mar Fajardo, Calvin Abueva, Matthew Wright, Raymond Almazan, and Gabe Norwood have yet to arrive to practice.

Another member of the “23 for 23” group, Joshua Sinclair, was present but in street clothes.

The team is starting its preparations for the next window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. They play powerhouse Australia in Melbourne in February 22.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)