MANILA – In a show of solidarity that underscores the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) commitment to country over club, several teams have loaned their star players to the Gilas Pilipinas national squad, bolstering the roster for the upcoming 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The move, announced by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on December 6, 2025, injects proven firepower into the national program, aiming to reclaim the SEA Games gold that slipped away in Hanoi two years ago amid a controversial refereeing scandal.
The loaned contingent reads like a PBA All-Star wish list: From Magnolia, the hot-shooting Barangay Ginebra gets reinforcement with Scottie Thompson’s playmaking wizardry and Japeth Aguilar’s veteran savvy under the basket. San Miguel Beer chips in with June Mar Fajardo, the six-time MVP whose interior dominance is a cheat code for any squad, and Alex Cabagnot’s steady hand at the point. Meralco contributes Chris Newsome’s defensive tenacity and Bong Quinto’s sharpshooting, while TNT Tropang Giga lends Roger Pogoy’s scoring punch and Kelly Williams’ leadership. Rounding out the group are Terrence Romeo from San Miguel (on loan to Gilas) and Kiefer Ravena from Magnolias, ensuring a blend of youth and experience.
SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios hailed the gesture as a “testament to the PBA’s patriotism,” noting the league’s history of supporting national causes. “These players are the heart of our league, and their willingness to step up for Gilas shows the unity we need to win back that gold,” Barrios said. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial echoed the sentiment: “The PBA is more than a league; it’s a family that puts country first. We’re proud to lend our best for the SEA Games.”
The loaned stars join a core that includes Justin Brownlee, the naturalized import who’s become Gilas’ offensive linchpin, and young guns like Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos. Coach Tim Cone, fresh off a 2-0 qualifiers sweep against Guam, welcomed the reinforcements: “This is huge – Scottie and Japeth bring championship pedigree, and with Fajardo anchoring the paint, we’re building a beast.” The integration camp kicks off December 15, with exhibition tilts against Japanese and Korean clubs to fine-tune chemistry before the Games tip off on December 9 in Bangkok.
For the Philippines, where basketball is religion and SEA Games gold a sacrament, this PBA lifeline feels like divine intervention. After the 2023 Hanoi heartbreak – where a phantom foul call cost the semis – the nation hungers for redemption. With these loaned legends in the mix, Gilas isn’t just competing; it’s conquering, one club sacrifice at a time.
Loaned Players by PBA Team:
- Barangay Ginebra: Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar
- San Miguel Beer: June Mar Fajardo, Alex Cabagnot
- Meralco: Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto
- TNT Tropang Giga: Roger Pogoy, Kelly Williams
- Magnolias: Kiefer Ravena
- San Miguel (loan to Gilas): Terrence Romeo