The initial pool for Gilas Pilipinas is looking stacked as the national team look ahead to the first FIBA window in February.
Kevin Quimbao will be one of the stars to lead the initial Gilas Pilipinas pool competing in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this February.
Joining the UAAP MVP and Finals MVP in the 12-man pool released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Monday are seven-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, and Justin Brownlee.
Japan B.League imports Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kai Sotto will also reinforce the squad which will lock horns with Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei on February 22 and 25, respectively.
Tim Cone is tasked to handle the national team, while Richard del Rosario will serve as team manager.
“Earlier this month, coach Tim presented his plans to local leagues from which players will likely be selected from," new SBP Executive Director Erika Dy said.
"This program will be put to test this year and adjustments will be made as necessary," she added.
“I’m looking forward to taking on the role of national team head coach again,” said Cone, who led the hastily-assembled Gilas to the Asian Games gold medal.
“I’ve always firmly believed from back in 1998 when I coached the Centennial Team that you’ve got to go out and get the best players in the country to represent us. We all have different opinions on who the best players are but we’re confident we picked the best players who will form the best team.”