Gilas Pilipinas redirects its attention toward the Olympic qualifiers

Following Gilas Pilipinas’ successful two-game sweep in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, coach Tim Cone has shifted the team’s focus towards the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia, scheduled for July. Looking ahead, Cone revealed that Gilas has received invitations to compete against powerhouse teams such as Lithuania, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic as they strive to keep their Olympic dreams alive for the 2024 Paris Games.

However, there is a significant concern regarding player availability, as the PBA, NCAA, UAAP, and Japan B.League squads have collectively agreed to limit players’ participation with Gilas to just 10 days prior to the national team’s first official FIBA game. This restriction poses a challenge for Gilas in terms of preparation, as they cannot assemble for extended periods to train and strategize.

“It’s not like we can come out and prepare for months or even weeks. It’s just like the agreement is 10 days before we actually play the first game against Latvia,” Cone explained to the media following Gilas’ dominant 106-53 victory over Taiwan in the closing game of the first window at the Philsports Arena.

Given the limited timeframe for preparation, Gilas is exploring various options to maximize their readiness for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Cone mentioned the possibility of conducting training camps at the Inspire Sports facility or arranging friendly matches against European teams to acclimate to their style of play.

“We got some invitations from Lithuania, Slovenia, and Czech Rep. We’re gonna work out through those. We’ll see what we can do,” Cone stated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to making the most of the opportunities presented to them.

Despite the logistical challenges posed by the scheduling constraints, Gilas remains determined to rise to the occasion and represent the Philippines with pride on the international stage. With a proactive approach to preparation and the support of the basketball community, Gilas aims to make a strong statement in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and pursue their aspirations of Olympic qualification.

Sports News: Gilas Pilipinas redirects its attention toward the Olympic qualifiers