Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is urging his team to familiarize themselves with FIBA rules ahead of their matches in the third window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. With games scheduled for July, Cone emphasizes the importance of adapting to the nuances of international basketball.
Preparing for a New Challenge
The calls are a little bit different but our players just have to learn to adjust and not lock in to that, but just keep playing the next play.
Tim Cone, Head Coach
Cone acknowledges the diverse backgrounds of his players, who compete in leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association, the Japan B. League, and the Korean Basketball League. This diversity necessitates a focused training camp to help players adapt to the FIBA system.
The team's training camp in Brisbane, supported by the Brisbane Bullets, aims to acclimatize players to the colder weather while preparing for their upcoming matches. Cone stated, "We’re going to take full advantage of it and try to acclimate to the (cold) weather."
Leading the roster is naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee, supported by notable players including RJ Abarrientos, Chris Newsome, and June Mar Fajardo. The squad is bolstered by newcomers Mike Phillips and Justine Baltazar, who stepped in for injured players Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown.
This marks a significant moment for Phillips, who will represent Gilas as a local player after being reclassified by FIBA. Previously, he contributed to the team’s success in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, helping the Philippines secure a gold medal.