Seeking to retain the Southeast Asian title, E-Gilas Pilipinas will parade an almost intact lineup for the FIBA Esports Open II slated on November 14 and 15.
Rial "Rial" Polog Jr., Custer "Aguila" Galas, Aljon "Shintarou" Cruzin, Philippe "IzzoIV" Herrero IV, Clark "Clark" Banzon and Rocky "Rak" Braña will don the virtual national jerseys anew in the NBA 2K-based online tournament which expanded from 17 pioneering countries to 38 nations.
Facing a stronger opposition this time, the team tapped eight-time 2K Veterans League champion Arnie "El Chapo" Sison.
The Philippines will duke it out against Indonesia and Oceania champion Australia, which is now bracketed in the Southeast Asia conference.
"We are super excited again to represent our NBA 2K esports national team lalo na nadagdagan ngayon ang mga national teams na sasali. We are expecting na there's more competition kaya doble ensayo kami," said two-time NBA 2K Asia titlist Polog.
The Filipinos will begin their title-retention campaign against the Indonesians at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday before squaring off with the Australians at 8 p.m. and 9:20 p.m.
E-Gilas will battle Indonesia and Australia anew on Sunday at 6:30 pm. and 7:30 p.m., respectively. The top two teams will tangle in the grand finals at 8:30 p.m.
The PH side, bannered by the core of local powerhouse Playbook Laus Esports, emerged victorious in the inaugural edition after sweeping Indonesia in five games.
The team is coming off a runner-up finish against South Korea in the NBA 2K20: The Pacific Pro-Am Tournament last September.
Livestream will be available on the Facebook page of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and social media channels of FIBA Esports.