CEBU, Philippines — Former Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles big man Jacob Lacson has earned his place as the lone Cebuano player on the final 12-man Gilas Pilipinas Youth U18 roster for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad, India. Standing at 6-foot-7, the 18-year-old power forward—who committed to Ateneo de Manila University earlier this year—provides crucial size, rim protection, and interior presence for the national squad.
Lacson stood out as the sole representative from Cebu to make the final cut after initial pool additions and roster adjustments. His Magis Eagles teammate Kent Lian Basa previously opted to represent SHS-AdC in the Palarong Pambansa, while fellow big man Jibson Gaviola missed out on the final selection alongside other notable regional prospects. UAAP high school standout Nickson Cabañero and rising prospect Josef Calo-oy, both also hailing from Cebu, were left off the official roster without further details released regarding their exclusion.
A Balanced Final Roster for Continental Action
The updated Gilas U18 squad combines established core returnees from earlier regional qualifiers with key additions to reinforce the frontcourt. Joining Lacson to form the frontcourt rotation are Elias Gish, Prince Cariño, Ethan Aguas, and JB Cagurungan. The backcourt and wing positions feature fan favorite Chog Moral alongside Patrick Pasinos, Andrew Chio, Bruce Tubongbanua, Luke Atacador, Aidan Dayco-Green, and Sizco Roquid.
Campaigning for the 2027 World Cup Stage
Drawn into Group A for the tournament running from August 13 to 23, the Philippines faces tough group-stage competition alongside defending champion Australia, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand. The national team tipped off its preliminary schedule on August 13 against Chinese Taipei to break a historical 3-3 deadlock between the two programs in U18 Asia Cup history. Beyond continental pride, the Philippines is competing for a top-four finish in the tournament, which guarantees a qualifying spot for the 2027 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Czechia.
