The release of the 2019 top five draftees from the pool was confirmed by SBP executive Butch Antonio on Tuesday. 

The contract of the quintet with Gilas Pilipinas Men expired on January 31 and they did not renew with the national team.

Go (Terrafirma), Suerte (Blackwater), Matt (NLEX), Mike (Rain or Shine), and Bulanadi (Alaska) are free to sign with their respective PBA teams for the Governors’ Cup, which will resume on February 11 after a month-long hiatus.

The development came after SBP appointed Chot Reyes as the new coach for Gilas Pilipinas, following the exit of Tab Baldwin.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Gilas draftees, William Navarro (Northport), Tzaddy Rangel (NLEX), and Jaydee Tungcab (TNT), will continue to play for the program until March 2023.

Philippines will be hosting Group A for the first two windows FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers this February.