MANILA — National coach Tim Cone announced that there are no plans to expand the Gilas Pilipinas player pool following the team’s challenging campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers last week.

Despite a 91-84 loss to Taiwan and an 87-70 defeat to New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas finished group play with a 4-2 record, securing a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup.

Cone, also the head coach of Barangay Ginebra, clarified that adding more players is not a straightforward decision.

“It’s not just about adding more players,” Cone explained after Barangay Ginebra’s 115-93 win in the PBA semifinals. “There are finances, travel, and practice time involved. We have a program, and we’re sticking to it.”

Despite the setbacks, including losses in the four-nation friendlies in Doha, Cone remains optimistic.

“Failure is part of the learning process. We’re not going to win all the time, but we can always improve,” said the 67-year-old coach.

He emphasized the team’s commitment to progress and assured fans that, as long as players are willing to represent the team, the current pool will remain unchanged.

Cone’s decision to keep the roster intact may not please all fans, but he is steadfast in following the long-term plan.

Lately, Cone admitted team Gilas is sorely missing the services of Kian Sotto.

A standout player for Gilas Pilipinas, Sotto is currently in rehabilitation following surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee.

His recovery includes a rigorous strength and conditioning program as he works toward regaining his form and returning to the court as soon as possible.

The Gilas Pilipinas team is feeling his absence, adjusting to play without their key player for the remainder of the season.

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MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas will travel to Doha, Qatar, on February 13 for three tune-up games as part of their preparation for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup in August.

This series of friendlies will also serve as vital practice ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand in late February.

Coach Tim Cone sees the Doha trip as an essential part of the team’s long-term preparation, especially after Gilas already secured a spot in the Asia Cup with a perfect 4-0 record in Group B. “This trip is less about immediate qualification and more about integrating previously injured players like AJ Edu and Jamie Malonzo, and adjusting to playing without our key player, Kai Sotto,” Cone explained.

Gilas will face Qatar (FIBA rank 92), Lebanon (FIBA rank 29), and Egypt (FIBA rank 38) in Doha, with games scheduled for February 15 and 17. These matchups will help sharpen the squad ahead of the next qualifiers in Chinese Taipei on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23.

Due to Sotto’s injury—he is recovering from ACL surgery—Barangay Ginebra’s Troy Rosario will replace him in the lineup. In addition, standout Mason Amos is expected to fill in for Japeth Aguilar, who will miss the Doha games.

While the travel schedule will be demanding, moving from Qatar to Taipei to New Zealand in a short span, Coach Cone welcomes the challenge, emphasizing that tough conditions are ideal for the team’s growth.

Gilas Pilipinas Program Director Alfrancis Chua also highlighted the importance of the Qatar games in facilitating teamwork and adjusting to the absence of Sotto. “With Kai out, other players, particularly the big men, will need to step up,” Chua said.

The Philippines’ recent success in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers included victories over Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, and New Zealand, setting the stage for more intense preparations in the coming months.

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