The two are set to clash on February 25.
After lording over the Asian Games last year, Gilas Pilipinas will return to action this February for the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The journey starts on February 22 when the national team visits Hong Kong at the Tsuen Wan Stadium.
Three days later, Gilas will then host Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena. Gametime is set 7:30 pm.
Gilas, led by legendary coach Tim Cone who steered the team to the Asiad gold, is also bunched together New Zealand in Group B of the home-and-away qualifiers.
Cone plans to stick to this 12-man pool headlined by naturalized player Justin Brownlee for a four-year program.
“We’re trying to think of this program as a four-year program,” Cone told One News’ The Big Story.
Though the beloved Brownlee still awaits FIBA’s verdict after failing the doping test during the Asian Games, Cone and company are optimistic he will get the green light in time for the opening window.
Joining Brownlee in the roster is Kevin Quiambao, who is fresh from a stellar stint in the 33rd Dubai International Championships with the Strong Group Athletics.
Also included in the brave 12 are mainstays June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo, and Chris Newsome as well as the Japan B.League imports Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, and AJ Edu.