Gilas Pilipinas Begins Asia Cup Campaign in Jeddah Against Chinese Taipei

Gilas Pilipinas is gearing up for a challenging campaign at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, opening their tournament against a strong Chinese-Taipei team that recently defeated them and includes impactful players like the Hinton brothers and Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga. Despite setbacks such as the injury of key player Kai Sotto, the team has shown promise with consecutive tune-up wins, including a significant comeback against the Macau Black Bears and a victory over Jordan, helping boost their ranking to sixth in the tournament field. Head coach Tim Cone has emphasized the goal of winning gold, acknowledging the need for improved performance following several recent losses, especially in light of their challenging group that includes teams they have struggled against previously. The final 12-man roster retains experienced players like Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo, with veteran Japeth Aguilar stepping in for the injured Sotto, though some question whether newer, more mobile players could have been considered. Gilas' preparation and strategic adjustments will be critical as they face tough opponents aiming to capitalize on previous victories over the Philippines. The team's athleticism and ball movement are seen as strengths that could make them a dangerous contender despite the hurdles.