WITH a new yet familiar leader in veteran coach Tim Cone, Gilas Pilipinas will parade an impressive mix of players for its 12-man pool for the forthcoming Fiba cycle.
Cone, alongside longtime deputy Richard del Rosario in his new role as team manager, will call the shots for the men’s national team come February in the first window of the 2025 Asia Cup qualifiers.
READ: New Gilas: Cone is coach, Del Rosario team manager, Oftana heads pool
Leading Cone’s first Gilas squad as permanent coach, as first reported by SPIN.ph, are Asian Games holdovers Scottie Thompson and Calvin Oftana, seven-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, and Japan B.League standout Dwight Ramos.
"Coach Tim accomplished what has not been done in decades with only a few weeks to prepare and multiple challenges in terms of personnel so we’re excited to see what he can accomplish with a long-term program in place especially if such program is supported by all basketball stakeholders.” said SBP President Al Panlilio.
Joining Thompson, Oftana, Ramos and Fajardo in the 12-man pool are Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo, Japanese B-League imports Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kai Sotto, and UAAP champion Kevin Quiambao will be the 11 locals.
Justin Brownlee will take the naturalized player spot, pending FIBA’s decision regarding his eligibility in upcoming tournaments after testing positive for a banned substance at the last Asian Games in China.
The Philippines will also compete in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 2 to 7 in Latvia.
“Earlier this month, coach Tim presented his plans to local leagues from which players will likely be selected from. This program will be put to test this year and adjustments will be made as necessary,” added SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.
This will be Cone’s fourth stint as the head coach of the national team. He was at the helm of the storied Centennial Team that won bronze in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. He also led the gold-medal winning Gilas squad in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“I’m looking forward to taking on the role of national team head coach again,” said Cone. “I’ve always firmly believed from back in 1998 when I coached the Centennial Team that you’ve got to go out and get the best players in the country to represent us. We all have different opinions on who the best players are but we’re confident we picked the best players who will form the best team.”
Joining Cone will be Richard Del Rosario as Gilas Pilipinas Men Team Manager.
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