Gilas Pilipinas will fly to Doha this February in preparation for the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. But there's more to it than a friendly tournament.
Gilas Pilipinas will be back in action this February--but it won't be just for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Coach Tim Cone confirmed to News5 that the Philippine men's national basketball team will be flying out to Doha, Qatar for a training camp and friendly tournament.
Here's what you need to know.
What is the 2nd Doha International Cup?
Formally known as the Doha International Friendly Basketball Championship 2025, the mini tournament will feature the host country, along with Qatar, Egypt, and the Philippines.
This will take place from February 15 to 17, Philippine time, at the University of Qatar auditorium.
This is a test run and a preparation of sorts for the Qatar Basketball Federation ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, as well as the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
They've already unveiled the logo for the 2027 edition of the World Cup.
And they also tapped Carmelo Anthony as ambassador once again.
Having input from the Philippine team--who organized the 2023 edition of the World Cup--would certainly help as well.
Playing in Doha would also give Gilas some form of experience playing in such conditions ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 proper in Saudi Arabia.
Schedule for Gilas Pilipinas
Qatar vs Philippines
- Doha time: February 14, 8:30 p.m.
- Manila time: February 15, 1:30 a.m.
Lebanon vs Philippines
- Doha time: February 15, 6:00 p.m.
- Manila time: February 15, 11:00 p.m.
Philippines vs Egypt
- Doha time: February 16, 8:30 p.m.
- Manila time: February 17, 1:30 a.m.
What about the roster?
Tim Cone confirmed to News5 that Troy Rosario will take the place of Kai Sotto, who is recovering from an ACL injury.
Rosario is no stranger to Gilas Pilipinas and is familiar with Cone's system as part of Barangay Ginebra.
[ALSO READ: Troy Rosario out to make most of redemption bid with Gilas with surprise call-up]
Things are looking up for the two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao as he recovered from a tweaked ankle.
He finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and five assists in the loss as a starter for the Goyang Sky Gunners.
They do have a game on February 11 against the Mobis Phoeus.
[ALSO READ: Kevin Quiambao returns early from injury, but Goyang continues to stumble in KBL play]
Aside from that, there should be no major changes as Cone is committed to building chemistry with this pool of players.
Expect the usual suspects to shine, such as Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, and Dwight Ramos.
Don't count out Carl Tamayo, who's just casually dropping career-high 37-point games in the KBL.
[ALSO READ: Carl Tamayo sets new career-high with 37 points in Changwon’s KBL defeat to Samsung]
Final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
All these will be in preparation as Gilas Pilipinas goes on the road in the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Yes, the Philippines is already assured of a berth in the main tournament with a 4-0 record in Group B. But the Filipinos will be looking for any advantage when it comes to seeding.
And you can expect Chinese Taipei and New Zealand will want to have revenge.
Chinese Taipei hosts the Philippines on February 20.
Meanwhile, the Tall Blacks will give Gilas their own form of welcome in Auckland on February 23.
(With reports from News5)