GILAS Pilipinas is preparing to field two separate teams for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers window and the 20th Asian Games, according to head coach Tim Cone.
Cone said the plan is to use an all-PBA contingent for the Asian Games, alongside Justin Brownlee, while a separate group handles the upcoming FIBA window.
“We’re going to have two pretty much separate teams. One for the window, and one for the Asian Games,” Cone said.
The decision was made partly because Japan and Korea-based players will not be available for the Asian Games.
“None of the Japan or Korean players can play in the Asian Games. So we just decided that we would pretty much bring an all-PBA contingent for the Asian Games, along with Justin,” Cone explained.
The availability of naturalized big man Bennie Boatwright also remains uncertain, with Cone admitting that his participation in the Asian Games now looks doubtful.
“We were hoping that Benny would be alright to play in the Asian Games. That looks very doubtful at this point. But we’re still hoping,” Cone said.
Cone will handle the FIBA window before turning the reins over to Richard del Rosario, Brownlee and Jong Uichico for the Asian Games preparations.
“The plan is for me to handle the window until we get it done. And then to transfer to the Asian team. In the meantime, Richard, Justin, and Jong will handle the Asian Games,” Cone said.
The Asian Games-bound squad is also scheduled to travel to Korea for two friendly matches against the Korean national team as part of its preparation.
“The Asian team is going to Korea first to play two friendlies with the Korean national team,” Cone said.
Meanwhile, one major question remains unanswered: the availability of Kai Sotto.
Cone admitted that Gilas has yet to receive confirmation from Sotto’s camp regarding his availability for either competition.
“No word,” Cone said when asked about Sotto.
The 7-foot-3 center has not suited up for Gilas since the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in November 2024.
According to Cone, Sotto’s camp remains focused on exploring an NCAA opportunity in the United States, which could potentially serve as another pathway toward his NBA aspirations.
“From what I understand, he’s still working on the NCAA, trying to get there,” Cone said. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
