No changes to Gilas player pool says Tim Cone

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said the national team will maintain its current pool of players for the upcoming FIBA Asia qualifiers and 2026 international competitions, emphasizing continuity and chemistry within the squad.

Cone, one of the most decorated coaches in Philippine basketball, reiterated that there will be no new additions to the Gilas roster ahead of the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup and other key tournaments, opting to keep the group that has represented the country in recent international play.

“This group has built something together, and for us to change personnel at this stage would disrupt what we’ve been working on,” Cone said. “We want to keep the core intact and continue developing the chemistry they’ve established.”

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“EVERYBODY FORGETS HOW GREAT A COACH NORMAN BLACK IS”

From one Gilas mentor to another, coach Tim Cone tips his hats off to Norman Black and the entire Gilas team for winning the gold medal in the 33rd SEA Games against all odds, including the ever-changing eligibility rules. pic.twitter.com/UALJMD1YgN

— John Bryan Ulanday (@bryanulanday) December 21, 2025

Cone’s decision comes as Gilas Pilipinas prepares for a slate of major competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where sustained team cohesion is seen as vital for success.

Gilas has relied on a blend of veteran leaders — including naturalized forward Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar — alongside emerging talents such as Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and Scottie Thompson, a mix that Cone believes gives the Philippines a competitive edge in Asia.

“Keeping the group together allows us to build on what we’ve already achieved,” Cone added. “We’re not just preparing for one tournament — we’re preparing for a multi-year journey, and continuity gives us the best chance to compete at the highest level.”

Cone’s stand on roster stability underscores Gilas Pilipinas’ strategy of fostering long-term development and cohesion within the national program ahead of a busy international calendar.

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