Led by coach Tim Cone, Gilas Pilipinas begins training for the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers. –SBP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The road to the Fiba Asia Cup begins for Gilas Pilipinas later this month and the national team already has almost all hands on deck.
On Thursday, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) posted photos of Gilas arriving at Inspire Sports Academy to begin training cup under coach Tim Cone.
“The journey starts now for Gilas Pilipinas. Training continues in preparation for their two important matches at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers 1st Window,” the post read.
READ: Tim Cone certain Gilas ‘program standard’ will make country proud
Japanese B.League imports Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu and Carl Tamayo were in attendance.
Naturalized swingman Justin Brownlee also showed up and was in action to gear up for the Qualifiers.
Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo was also training, showing he didn’t sustain a serious injury after losing to San Miguel in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. Fellow Gin Kings Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar were also seen along with LA Tenorio helping out in practice.
READ: Tim Cone tackles four-year Gilas program
UAAP Season 86 MVP Kevin Quiambao showed his commitment by arriving at Inspire too, with Gilas mainstays Calvin Oftana and Christian Newsome.
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy oversaw the national team scrimmage.
Absent in the practice were San Miguel Beer stars June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez , who competed just the night before in the PBA Finals and won the Commissioners’ Cup after defeating Magnolia, 104-102, at Araneta Coliseum.
Gilas is set to play against Hong Kong on the road and versus Chinese Taipei at Philsports Arena.