Gilas Pilipinas Names Formidable 14-Man Pool for FIBA Asia Cup Window

PASIG CITY — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone have officially announced the 14-man training pool for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers window, emphasizing lineup stability and defensive discipline.

Naturalized resident forward Justin Brownlee once again headlines the squad, joined by 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto, who arrives directly following a dominant campaign in the Japan B.League. Cone emphasized that keeping the core unit intact is essential for sustained tactical growth.

Lineup Stability Over Overhauls

"Our approach is simple: we believe in continuous chemistry rather than assembling a completely new group every window," Cone explained. "These players know each other’s tendencies, understand our triangle sets, and take immense pride in wearing the national tricolor."

The pool features: - **Guards**: Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos - **Wings & Forwards**: Justin Brownlee, Calvin Oftana, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao - **Bigs**: Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu

The inclusion of UAAP standout Kevin Quiambao highlights the coaching staff’s confidence in the reigning collegiate MVP's versatility and playmaking at the forward position. AJ Edu also returns to full contact practice after recovering from a knee rehabilitation program.

Road to the Continental Championship

Gilas will hold an intensive four-day training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna before hosting New Zealand and Hong Kong at the Mall of Asia Arena. With basketball fans rallying behind the team, expectations are high for the squad to solidify its standing at the top of Group B.