Coach Tim Cone’s aspiration of keeping the members of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team together for the next four years is a key focus as the team gears up for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Cone is aiming for continuity in the team, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the same system and roster to foster familiarity and enable players to reach their full potential.
“Any ideas for the next four years will be in keeping with the continuity of the team, getting and having the same system, having the same players, who will get to know each other better, till they reach their full potential,” said Cone.
Team Philippines will once again assemble for practices starting Feb. 15.
Gilas will first clash with Hong Kong on Feb. 22 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium and Chinese Taipei on Feb. 25 at the PhilSports Arena.
Cone was retained as Gilas head coach last week, following his successful stint in the Hangzhou Asian Games.
The 66-year-old Cone said the preparation time for any tournament will be shorter.
“We’re not gonna ask for a longer preparation time. We feel like each window will prepare us for the next one,” added Cone.
The Philippines will also join the Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 2 to 7 in Latvia.
Cone has chosen 12 core players for Gilas.
This includes Philippine Basketball Association players Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo, and June Mar Fajardo.
There are Japanese B-League imports Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kai Sotto.
Collegiate cager Kevin Quiambao of the La Salle Green Archers has also been added.
Notably, FIBA has cleared Justin Brownlee for the naturalized player spot, securing his eligibility for upcoming tournaments, a decision welcomed by the team.