Gilas Pilipinas finally arrived for the 19th Asian Games, bearing a positive mindset despite facing tremendous adversities before its departure from the Philippines.

Coach Tim Cone and his 12-man crew checked in at the Hangzhou International Airport on Sunday, September 24, afternoon following their six-hour flight from Manila.

Not wasting precious time, the team did light workouts shortly after a brief rest upon arrival in a bid to further stabilize the integration of late inclusion Kevin Alas, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, CJ Perez, and Arvin Tolentino to the team.

Cone was grateful for the time and services Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Mo Tautuaa, and Jason Perkins spent training with Gilas Pilipinas. He is likewise appreciative of the effort extended by the five new players despite joining the team on short notice.

“They understand it’s for the country. So they’ll do whatever it takes. And so we’re very appreciative of those guys coming in,” the veteran coach stated.

Completing the team are June Mar Fajardo, Justin Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar, Ange Kouame, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, and Scottie Thompson.

<h2?Pending late inclusion

The case involving Perez and company, as late inclusion, is still pending with the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC) heading to the team’s first game against Bahrain on Tuesday, September 26.