In recent Gilas Pilipinas news, the national basketball team, under the skilled leadership of Tim Cone, has shown exceptional prowess during the second window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. With a flawless 4-0 record, including a historic first win over New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas secured its spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, which is set for August 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
However, Tim Cone’s focus has now shifted to an even greater challenge: performing on the road. With significant tournaments and tough away matches ahead, Cone and his team are determined to improve their ability to compete under pressure abroad. This article explores Gilas' recent achievements, future strategies, and how Tim Cone is preparing the team for the challenges that lie ahead.
With qualification secured, Gilas Pilipinas faces tougher challenges in the next phase of the Asia Cup qualifiers. They are set to play away games against Taiwan and New Zealand environments known for their intense pressure. “The two away games we are going to have in February are going to be the toughest part,” Cone remarked, highlighting the difficulty of the upcoming fixtures.
The away matches will be a true test of the team's adaptability. With all future tournaments set to take place outside the Philippines, learning to win in hostile environments is a critical step forward.
Tim Cone is well aware that playing abroad requires a different approach. He has emphasized the importance of preparing the team for the unique challenges of away games. “We had that one opportunity in the World Cup in 2023 to play at home. But now, all of the games are going to be on the road,” Cone explained, noting the difference between playing with a home crowd and facing a tough opponent on foreign soil.
His training sessions are expected to simulate these conditions, focusing on mental resilience and the ability to stay composed under pressure.
Gilas Pilipinas' upcoming away matches will be crucial not only for the Asia Cup qualifiers but also for setting the stage for major international tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. Building confidence in away games will be essential to competing effectively at the global level.
“We’ve got to learn how to play well on the road,” said Cone, stressing the importance of refining the team’s ability to win outside their comfort zone.
LEAD THE WAY, COACH 🫡🇵ðŸ‡
— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) November 25, 2024
After what he deemed was Gilas Pilipinas' trial year, head coach Tim Cone remained firm on his stand of keeping the same group of players in the national team pool moving forward.
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Tim Cone's approach to roster management has been to keep changes minimal. His strategy revolves around building familiarity among the players, like Justin Brownlee which has resulted in a cohesive unit capable of executing complex plays. By focusing on a stable roster, Cone minimizes the learning curve for new strategies, allowing the team to fine-tune their game plan.
Though Cone prefers stability, he has made tactical adjustments when injuries or availability issues have arisen. For example, when AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo were unavailable for the first window of the Asia Cup qualifiers, Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos were called up as replacements. Similarly, Chris Newsome stepped in when Scottie Thompson was absent during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.
These changes have been carefully managed to ensure the team’s core remains strong and familiar.
Looking to the future, Cone has hinted that an expanded player pool might be considered if it aligns with the team’s development. However, he remains cautious: “If you start expanding the pool, you have to go back to zero and start teaching all over again,” he explained, underlining the importance of not compromising the team’s chemistry. For now, the focus remains on refining the skills of the existing core.
During the second window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas delivered a stellar performance, ending with a perfect 4-0 record. They secured significant wins over top teams, including New Zealand and Hong Kong, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. A key highlight was Gilas’ 78-73 victory over New Zealand—marking the first win against this formidable opponent in four encounters.
The success in the qualifiers was driven by standout performances from key players. Coach Tim Cone relied on a core group, maintaining consistency in the roster. Players like Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, and Ange Kouame were instrumental in key moments, leading the team to victory. AJ Edu’s return after injury added strength to the front line, further enhancing the team’s defense and rebounding.
Since his official appointment in 2024, Tim Cone has prioritized team stability. By focusing on a consistent 12-man core, he has fostered greater chemistry and familiarity among the players. This has led to a smoother in-game execution and adaptability during high-pressure situations. Cone's approach has been effective, with the team showing strong cohesion against formidable opponents.
“The whole point of these windows is to get better,” said Cone, reflecting on the importance of using each opportunity to improve. His strategic vision emphasizes refining skills rather than constant roster changes, ensuring the team maintains a solid foundation as they move forward.
The experience gained from competing in high-stakes tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and Olympic Qualifying Tournament has been invaluable for Gilas Pilipinas. These competitions have provided insights into the team’s strengths and areas for improvement, which are now being integrated into current strategies. “Hopefully, that elevates our game going into the next window,” Cone stated, expressing optimism for the future.
As the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah approaches, the focus is on building momentum. Tim Cone’s plan involves using the success from the qualifiers to bolster the team’s confidence and tactical acumen. A strong showing in Jeddah would reinforce Gilas' position as a top contender in Asian basketball.
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