Gilas Pilipinas U18 will get its feet wet as it gears up to compete in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, which tips off on May 17.
The Philippine national youth team is stepping up to the plate, securing much-needed game action ahead of its campaign in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in Krabi, Thailand.
“It’s our immense honor to welcome our national team to the premier preseason league,” said league chairman Virgil Villavicencio.
“This is our own little way of helping the Gilas Youth program prepare for battle, equipping them with valuable experience against tougher and more experienced opponents with the collegiate teams while also adding more spice to this year’s competitions.”
The Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup is a full-fledged member of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, with Villavicencio a longtime part of the federation’s brain trust.
Coached by Juno Sauler, the Gilas Youth squad will parade some of the country’s top young talents, including Chog Moral, Prince Carino, Shaun Lucido, Lian Basa, and Andwele Cabanero, as it completes this edition’s 18-team field.
The national youth team will be slotted in the UAAP Group, where it will face defending preseason champion University of the Philippines, reigning UAAP king La Salle, perennial contenders University of Santo Tomas and National University, and the promising squads of Adamson and Ateneo.
University of the East has opted to skip this year’s preseason tilt.
Should it emerge triumphant in the SEABA Qualifiers, Gilas Youth will then shift its focus to preparations for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Qatar this September.
This marks the first time a national team will participate in the famed preseason tournament since 2018, when the Gilas Cadets under coach Jong Uichico featured Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, Thirdy Ravena, Kobe Paras, and Robert Bolick.
