Gilas Pilipinas is set to embark on a crucial trip to Doha, Qatar, for a series of friendly matches before facing Chinese Taipei and New Zealand in the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. While the team has already secured a spot in the quadrennial tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this August, head coach Tim Cone sees the upcoming games as a valuable opportunity to fine-tune the squad and reintegrate key players returning from injury.

“The basic thing is, we’re using this Doha trip as a chance to prepare—not just for this immediate window but for the FIBA Asia Cup in August,” said Cone.

With AJ Edu (knee) and Jamie Malonzo (calf) returning to action, Cone aims to build chemistry with the team’s core while also adjusting to the absence of Kai Sotto, who underwent ACL surgery on February 2 and is out for the rest of the year.

“We’re not 100% sure how many preparation days we’ll have in August, so this Doha trip is a chance to get the previously injured guys back in rhythm and learn how to play without Kai,” he added.

Qatar Trip: A Strategic Move for Long-Term Success

Gilas, currently ranked 34th in the world, will face Qatar (No. 92) on February 15, Lebanon (No. 29) on February 15, and Egypt (No. 38) on February 17 (all Manila time).

Cone emphasized that the trip only materialized because of the team’s early qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.

“To be honest, if we weren’t already qualified, we wouldn’t be going to Doha. We’d be focusing on Chinese Taipei and New Zealand. But the tougher the schedule, the better the preparation,” he explained.

With 7-foot-3 Sotto sidelined, newly acquired Barangay Ginebra forward Troy Rosario will step into a bigger role, while De La Salle’s Mason Amos is likely to be tapped in the absence of Japeth Aguilar for the Qatar trip.

New Outfitter for Gilas Pilipinas

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has also announced a new apparel partner, as its previous outfitter’s contract ended last year. The federation reassured fans that all Gilas teams will continue to receive high-quality gear for both local and international tournaments, with more details to be revealed soon.

Gilas’ Road to the FIBA Asia Cup

Gilas started their FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers campaign with a dominant 94-64 win over Hong Kong before crushing Chinese Taipei 106-53 at home. The second window saw the Philippines clinch its first-ever FIBA tournament victory over New Zealand (93-89), followed by a 93-54 win against Hong Kong.

With their spot secured, the focus now shifts to refining the team’s system, ensuring a strong showing in August’s FIBA Asia Cup.