Gilas Pilipinas seek a six-game sweep in the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, with Chinese Taipei and New Zealand standing in their way.
It’s all systems go for Gilas Pilipinas.
Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, and Dwight Ramos banner the 12-man lineup for the Philippines in the last window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Joining the trio are Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJay Perez, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo.
Gilas is coming off in a mini-pocket tournament in Doha, Qatar as part of their build-up for the tournament and will play Chinese Taipei tomorrow, February 20 before a much-awaited rematch with New Zealand three days later.
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At the top of the Group B standings with a 4-0 record, Team Philippines already booked a spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on August 5-17 this year.
In the first qualifying window last year, Gilas decimated the Taiwanese, 106-53.
However, coach Tim Cone and his wards are expecting a different ball game when the two sides meet again.
“Taiwan will be much better this time. They have a new import, a new coach, and a couple of new players, so we expect a much different fight. But I think we're ready for it," Cone said.
Gilas is also still finding its way in the absence of Kai Sotto, who is effectively out of the FIBA Asia Cup due to an ACL injury.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone, Gilas Pilipinas hope to use Doha lessons in ‘tougher battle’ vs Chinese Taipei]