Gilas Pilipinas Gears Up for Intense Week of Training and FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
Gilas Pilipinas, under the guidance of head coach Tim Cone, is set for a demanding week of preparation and competition as they aim to fine-tune their game ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup. The national basketball team will kick off their journey with a five-day training camp in Doha, Qatar, featuring a three-game friendly series as part of the Doha International Friendly Basketball Championship.
The team departs for Qatar on February 13 and will immediately face the Qatar national team on February 14. The mini-tournament also includes matchups against Lebanon and Egypt, providing Gilas with valuable exposure against strong international opponents. Coach Cone emphasized that these exhibition games are crucial for building team chemistry and readiness.
After the Doha camp, Gilas Pilipinas will return to Manila for a short break before heading to Chinese Taipei for their FIBA Asia Cup qualifier against the host team on February 20. The squad will then travel to Auckland for a highly anticipated rematch against New Zealand on February 23.
Coach Cone acknowledged the grueling schedule, stating, “It’s going to be really tough on the players with all the travel—Doha, back to Manila, then to Taiwan, and finally to Auckland—all within less than nine days. But this is exactly the kind of challenge we need to prepare for the FIBA Asia Cup.”
Gilas Pilipinas has already secured their spot in the FIBA Asia Cup, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17. With a perfect 4-0 record in Group B, including dominant wins over Chinese Taipei (106-53) and a thrilling 93-89 victory against New Zealand, the team is focused on using the upcoming games as part of their preparation for the main tournament.
“We’re not just playing for qualification anymore—we’re playing to be at our best for the FIBA Asia Cup,” Cone added. “The Doha trip and these qualifiers are all about building momentum and ensuring we’re ready for the challenges ahead.”
Stay tuned as Gilas Pilipinas continues their journey toward FIBA Asia Cup glory, showcasing their talent and determination on the international stage.
