Gilas Pilipinas finally has a start date for its FIBA Asia Cup 2025 buildup.
Coach Tim Cone said that the Nationals will hit the ground running on July 7 — about four weeks away from the continental tilt set August 5-17 in Saudi Arabia.
Initially given a shorter prep time, the Philippine team has managed to find a way to squeeze in practices even while in the midst of the PBA season.
Cone and his Ginebra are currently in the Season 49 Philippine Cup semis and with a 2-1 lead over San Miguel after a 100-90 Game 3 win, Sunday night.
It was after the said match that the champion mentor disclosed the commencement of their gear-up after being asked by members of the press.
As to where the practices would be held — and whether or not it would be open for the public to watch — remains unclear as of this moment.
Nonetheless, it’s a welcome development for Gilas and most especially for Cone, who’s particularly focused on rebuilding the team’s chemistry.
It was something that suffered, he admitted in a previous interview, during the final window of the Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers last February.
Justin Brownlee is expected to return by the start of practices, having recovered from a thumb injury he sustained in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Overseas-based Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, and AJ Edu are likewise set to join the national squad during their offseason.
The Philippines is grouped with New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Iraq in Group D of the 2025 Asia Cup, where a total of 16 teams are set to compete.
#WATCH: Tim Cone proud of RJ Abarrientos and Ginebra for showing poise under pressure in Game 3 of the #PBA2025 semifinals 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/S88OkC5sCv
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/8X7Sm2c3pM
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 29, 2025
