Members of the Gilas Pilipinas team are brimming with confidence going into their first game in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia qualifiers.
One of the team’s veteran players, CJ Perez of San Miguel Beet feels this way, heading into Monday evening’s open practice sessions at the Philsports Arena.
“Kumpiyansa kami sa chemistry. Kasi magkakasama na kami sa workout. Sa chemistry, madali lang. We’re making the best out of it. Pero short pa rin ang preparation namin,” he said.
Perez just got together with members of Team Pilipinas right after the San Miguel Beermen won the 48th Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Valentine’s Day.
His SMB teammate, JuneMar Fajardo won’t play for Gilas in the first window because of a calf injury, giving 7’3” big man Kai Sotto the chance to have a lot of time on the floor defending the middle.
Japeth Aguilar is also coming in to help fill in the void that Fajardo left behind, along with another tall cager in Carl Tamayo.
“Me and Japeth will have to step up. Lahat ng players, kailangan mag-step up sa first window,” said Sotto.
Fajardo will rest for two weeks to heal the injury he sustained during the recently PBA finals.
Gilas Pilipinas is carrying the momentum of its historic title win in the Hangzhou Asian Games, as it gets ready to leave for Hong Kong.
Team Philippines will first clash with Hong Kong on February 22 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium, before taking on Chinese Taipei on February 25 at the PhilSports Arena.
The game with Hong Kong is seen as a warm up for their second encounter with the Taiwanese cagers.
That’s because in three straight Asia Cups from 2009 to 2013, the Philippines has won two matches.
Coach Tim Cone said the practice sessions are just the start of bringing the same players together for the next four years.
“It’s not a third of a (PBA) conference that we’re together. So, everything that we do here will have a purpose,” said Cone.
Keeping members of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team together for the next four years is in the wish list of Cone.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio expressed his optimism on the vision of keeping the squad intact for many years.
“There is a four-year vision for this squad. We are excited for their journey and their practices (together),” said Panlilio.
The 12 core players for Gilas include Philippine Basketball Association players Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Perez, Jamie Malonzo, and Fajardo.
Also in the list are Japanese B-League imports Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Tamayo, and Sotto.
Collegiate cager Kevin Quiambao of the La Salle Green Archers has also been added.
Justin Brownlee will take the naturalized player spot after FIBA’s decision to clear him on his eligibility in upcoming tournaments.