MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas’ 12-man pool will be having two new key players moving forward.

This, after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced that it has added Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Japeth Aguilar and the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Mason Amos to the overall program of the men’s national basketball team. 

“We're excited that Mason and Japeth agreed to be our alternates on Gilas,” said head coach Tim Cone in a statement from the SBP, released Tuesday evening. 

“The first window showed us that we were a little thin in our lineup after AJ Edu, June Mar [Fajardo] and Jamie [Malonzo] missed our game vs. Chinese Taipei due to injuries, and we were left with only nine players, and only Japeth as a replacement to make 10."

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar previously suited up for the Nationals during their game against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, while Amos previously made his Gilas debut during their build-up for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

And following the SBP’s announcement, they will now be officially rejoining the squad once again.

“So now, Japeth and Mason will practice and travel with the original 12 and be ready to step in if the need arises,” said Cone, while also explaining that the two will be filled in only if needed.

“If we lose one of our bigs, Japeth will step in. If any of the others, Mason will fill the hole. Mason, too, because of his youth, projects as one of the regulars over time,” said Cone.

The pair of Ateneans will be joining Malonzo, Fajardo, Edu, Justin Brownlee, Kai Sotto, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, and Chris Newsome when Gilas reunites in late June for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament the following month.

The Philippines belongs to Group A and is joined by world no. 6 Latvia and no.23 Georgia.

Gilas is set to play those squads on July 3 and 4, respectively.