Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA OQT preparations are underway.
And so it begins for Gilas Pilipinas.
The Philippine men's basketball squad will enhace their preparation for the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be held in Latvia with an exhibition match against the Taiwan Mustangs.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced the friendly match will take place on June 24, Monday at the Philsports Arena, free admission.
In facing the Taiwanese club, Gilas will see familiar faces.
The Taiwan Mustangs are coached by former PBA tactician Chris Gavina. Nine-time PBA champion Alex Cabagnot also played for the squad.
Former NBA champion Dwight Howard signed a deal to suit up for the squad last May, while also announcing that his former Lakers teammates in DeMarcus Cousins and Quinn Cook will join him for the newly formed The Asian Tournament (TAT).
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There is no confirmation so far whether Howard, Cousins, or Cook will see action in the exhibition match.
The Philippine squad will begin training at Inspire on June 21.
Gilas Pilipinas will kick off their FIBA OQT campaign against hosts Latvia on July 3 before facing Georgia on July 4.
Only the winners of the four OQTs will book a ticket to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Gilas is coming off wins in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei and hopes to carry the momentum forward.
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