After 36 years, the Philippines returns to the world stage as Gilas Pilipinas begins their tough climb against powerhouse squads in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

The squad, primarily composed of the members of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship second-place winning squad sans Larry Fonacier and Marcus Douthit, has been tagged as the underdogs entering the tournament against formidable foes in the Group B contests to be held in Seville.

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Making the final roster cut were Jimmy Alapag (Talk ‘N Text), LA Tenorio (Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel), Jeff Chan (Rain or Shine), Jayson Castro William (Talk ‘N Text), Gary David (Meralco), Ranidel de Ocampo (Talk ‘N Text), Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine), June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel), Japeth Aguilar (Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel), and Marc Pingris (San Mig Super Coffee).

Replacing Fonacier and Douthit were Paul Dalistan Lee (Rain or Shine), and newly naturalized reinforcement and former Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche, respectively.

On Saturday, the nationals will take on 2013 EuroBasket third placer Croatia in their opening match at 6:30 p.m. (Philippines time).

In their first game against the Croats, they will have to contend against the much-taller Baltic squad led by point guard Roko Ukic and forward Dario Saric.

Worse, Jayson Castro – the lynchpin of their dribble-drive offense – has not been cleared yet of his right ankle injury suffered during their recent tuneup matches prior to the tournament.

Then, the road takes tougher turns against wildcard squad Greece (September 1, 2:00 a.m.) and 2013 FIBA Americas third-place Argentina (September 1, 11:30 p.m.).

After a one-day break on September 2, Puerto Rico (September 3, 7:30 p.m.) and 2013 AfroBasket third-place Senegal (September 4, 8:00 p.m.) will tackle the Gilas squad in their last two assignments.