Puerto Rico finalize their World Cup roster / News - Basketnews.com

Phillip Wheeler was the last player to be left out of Puerto Rico's final roster for the 2023 World Cup.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The 12-man squad that will represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming FIBA World Cup has been announced. Coach Nelson Colon's last cut was Piratas de Quebradillas forward Phillip Wheeler.

Puerto Rico / Schedule

South Sudan Puerto RicoSat08:00 Puerto Rico Serbia08-2812:00

"We had a healthy conversation with Phillip Wheeler, and we explained to him that the doors of the National Team are open for him," said the Puerto Rican coach. "This decision was made because we understood that it was the best for the team ahead of the Basketball World Cup. We count on him for the future," added Colon.

The initial preselection was made up of 14 players.

The squad is currently in Manila, where Group B will be played. Puerto Rico will face South Sudan, Serbia, and China.

Puerto Rico went 1-5 on their six-game scrimmage tour. The Puerto Ricans won their first game against the Dominican Republic 93-86 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

Then, they lost the games against the United States (117-84), Italy (98-65), Serbia (110-75), Lithuania (93-80), and Latvia (84-72).

Puerto Rico 12-man roster for FIBA World Cup

Tremont Waters Jordan Howard Stephen Thompson John Holland Isaiah Pineiro Christopher Ortiz Justin Reyes Ethan Thompson Aleem Ford George Conditt IV Ismael Romero Arnaldo Toro

Upon arrival in the Philippines, Puerto Rico plans to carry out six practices before its debut on Saturday against South Sudan. The first would be on Wednesday morning (Philippine time) at the Araneta Coliseum, the same facility where the Puerto Ricans will play the World Cup.

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