Norman Black embraces pressure as Gilas builds strongest possible roster for SEA Games 

Norman Black knows exactly what’s at stake.

As Gilas Pilipinas prepares for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, the veteran coach admitted he feels the weight of the country’s expectations, especially after witnessing how regional rivals have reshaped the basketball landscape.

“I’ve been around long enough to know how disappointed the Filipinos will be if we lose in the SEA Games,” Black said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. “I’ve been there before so I know the pressure involved.”

The concern is real. In the last SEA Games in Cambodia, the host nation fielded multiple naturalized players — five Americans in fact — to power its lineup. With Thailand’s organizers requiring only a passport for eligibility this year, Black is bracing for similar scenarios where opposing teams could load up on imports.

“Remember, the last time we played in the SEA Games, I think Cambodia had five imports, five Americans. We are thinking that may happen again when the teams may just hire imports to come and play for their country,” Black said. “We have to be prepared for that. That’s why we need the strongest possible team and most balanced team we can have.” 

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GILAS ROSTER TAKES SHAPE

WATCH: Gilas Pilipinas head coach Norman Black announced the commitments of Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, Ray Parks, Remy Martin, Matthew Wright, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, and Veejay Pre for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, set from… pic.twitter.com/4WYZ7EEZu7

— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) September 5, 2025

So far, Gilas has secured commitments from eight players, with Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame leading the charge. They’ll be joined by Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, Remy Martin, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, and Veejay Pre. Four more slots remain open, with Black emphasizing the need for more big men to balance the roster.

“I’m really trying my best to put together the best team I can,” he stressed. “Right now, I’m just trying to put together the most balanced team we can based on the competition we are going to be up against and give ourselves the best chance of winning.”

For Black, the mission is about more than just basketball. It’s about the pride of a nation and the joy that winning brings to Filipinos.

“Basketball makes the Filipino people happy when we are winning,” Black said. “It’s very important for me to pressure the bosses to give me as much support as possible so that I can recruit the best players.”

As the build-up continues, the Gilas coach is clear on one thing: in the SEA Games, failure is not an option. 

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