SBP: Gilas roster tweaks possible, but core group remains intact

Gilas Pilipinas could be making room for a few roster changes as the program starts zeroing in on the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, though officials assure that the team’s foundation will not be shaken.

Following the team’s seventh-place finish in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, adjustments are being weighed to strengthen the squad before it returns to training camp for the November window of the qualifiers. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said the timing is part of its long-term strategy of continuous evaluation and recalibration.

“That’s why we have this program every window,” explained SBP Executive Director Erika Dy on Tuesday during the sidelines of the Pilipinas United 3×3 League press conference. “After every window, may evaluation process yan, to make adjustments as needed going towards the ultimate goal.”

Head coach Tim Cone has already pointed out some important developments within the lineup. One is the confirmation that Quentin Millora-Brown has been cleared to play as a local, removing any doubts about his eligibility.

IT’S OFFICIAL

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirms that Quentin Millora-Brown is now classified as a local player under the FIBA Management and Administration Platform (MAP).#GilasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/pxMJKvadCK

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 15, 2025

 Another is the much-anticipated return of 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto, who missed parts of recent campaigns due to injury and commitments abroad. “Those are two changes right there, and there could be one or two more,” Cone earlier said.

Dy echoed Cone’s statement, acknowledging that discussions have indeed taken place regarding additional roster shifts, though she stopped short of revealing names or positions. “Meron na ring moves. It’s been discussed naman,” she said.

“There were already a few changes that have been discussed, so wait and see lang tayo if they are going to be applied this upcoming window.”

Despite these possible tweaks, Dy emphasized that the coaching staff and federation are committed to stability and continuity, believing that the best way forward is to refine the system rather than overhaul it. “But what I can assure you is the core players are still the same,” she stressed. 

This philosophy will be put to the test soon as in the November window of the World Cup Qualifiers, Gilas is set to battle Jericho Cruz and Guam on November 28 and December 1, followed by a clash with New Zealand in February and a matchup against Australia in July next year.

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