Tim Cone has immediately shifted his attention to Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation for the Asian Games men’s Basketball tournament. After handling the national team in the latest FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the veteran coach now faces the challenge of preparing a largely different roster.
Gilas will travel to South Korea for a training camp before flying directly to Aichi and Nagoya, Japan. The Asian Games Basketball competition begins on September 10, giving the team limited time to finalize its lineup, establish chemistry and prepare its system.
The Philippines enters the tournament as the defending champion. Gilas won the gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, ending the country’s 61-year wait for the men’s Basketball title.
Cone Shifts Focus After Successful FIBA Window
Tim Cone guided Gilas Pilipinas to two home victories in Window 4 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The team defeated Jordan, 82-81, before securing another win over Iran.
The results improved the Philippines’ record to 4-4 in Group E. Cone must now prepare a different squad for the Asian Games Basketball tournament.
Only three players from the recent FIBA roster are expected to join the Asian Games team:
- RJ Abarrientos
- Justin Arana
- Justine Baltazar
With overseas-based players possibly unavailable, Gilas is expected to field an all-PBA lineup. A roster spot will also be kept open for Justin Brownlee, depending on his health and availability.
South Korea Camp to Test Gilas Roster
Tim Cone will guide Gilas in at least two friendly games against Korean Basketball League teams. These tune-up matches will allow the coaching staff to evaluate players before choosing the final Asian Games roster.
The South Korea camp will also help the team:
- Build chemistry among players from different PBA clubs
- Test offensive and defensive combinations
- Identify reliable rotations
- Adjust to international Basketball competition
- Prepare for its Group C opponents
Samahang Basketboll ng Pilipinas assembled a 30-man pool for the tournament. Cone said the coaching staff would try to bring the entire group to South Korea so he could closely assess the available players.
Assistant Coaches Begin Early Preparation
While Tim Cone focused on the FIBA qualifiers, assistant coaches Richard del Rosario, Jong Uichico and Josh Reyes handled the Asian Games training sessions. Their work allowed the candidates to begin preparing without waiting for the latest qualifying window to end.
The group also participated in a joint practice with the FIBA team. Cone was encouraged by its performance and energy during that session.
Among the players leading the Asian Games pool are Robert Bolick of NLEX, Sedrick Barefield of Blackwater, Adrian Nocum of Rain or Shine and Zavier Lucero of Magnolia. Their experience and production could become important as the coaching staff builds a competitive lineup within a short period.
Gilas Waits for Justin Brownlee
Brownlee’s availability remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the team. The naturalized forward played a major role in the Philippines’ gold-medal victory at the 2023 Asian Games.
However, Brownlee missed the recent games against Jordan and Iran because of leg and hamstring injuries. Cone said a roster spot remains open for him, but his participation has not been confirmed.
Bennie Boatwright is another possible naturalized player, but his Philippine passport is not expected to be ready before the competition. Although Congress approved his naturalization in June, the remaining documentation process may prevent him from joining the Asian Games roster.
Philippines Drawn With China in Group C
Gilas will compete against Bahrain, Kazakhstan and China in Group C. China is expected to provide the biggest challenge after losing to the Philippines in the semifinals of the 2023 tournament.
The short preparation period and changing roster will test Tim Cone and his coaching staff. Gilas must quickly establish a clear playing system while determining which combinations can perform against international opponents.
The Korean friendly games should provide valuable answers before the team travels to Japan. For Cone, the focus is now firmly on transforming a new group into a disciplined and competitive Basketball squad capable of defending the Philippines’ Asian Games title.
