Safety First: Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone closely monitoring Middle East tensions ahead of FIBA Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has voiced concern over the ongoing war between Israel and Iran and is closely monitoring the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—concerns that are valid considering the region will host the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 5 to 17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Arabia is not directly involved in the current tensions in the Middle East, the entry of the United States into the conflict has raised fears that it could escalate into a full-blown war.

“We are not trying to make too big a deal out of it right now, but with everything going on in the Middle East, especially with what happened between Israel, the United States, and Iran, we are wondering whether we will still be playing in Jeddah. Whether the venue will change or not is something we are monitoring closely with FIBA,” Cone said during a media interaction.

For the American tactician, the safety of the players and team staff is the top priority of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

“Our top priority is the safety of the players, coaches, and staff. There is just a lot going on in that area right now, and we want to make sure the situation doesn’t put anyone at risk,” he added.

‘SINK OUR TEETH INTO PRACTICE’

Kinumpirma ni Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach Tim Cone na magsisimula na ang weekly practice ng Gilas sa June 30, bago sila sumailalim sa full training sa Clark, Pampanga.

Handa na ring bumalik sa training si Gilas forward Justin Brownlee matapos ang… pic.twitter.com/YehgUQFxGx

— News5 (@News5PH) June 22, 2025

Regardless of the political situation, Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled to begin training every Monday starting next week. Cone confirmed that he is targeting at least 18 training sessions, including twice-a-day workouts and a practice game, reportedly against the Macau Black Bears on either July 28 or 29, before flying to Jeddah.

However, Cone’s availability for these sessions will depend on how deep Barangay Ginebra San Miguel progresses in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.

“If I’m not in the PBA Finals with Barangay Ginebra, I will handle the practices myself. If I am, Richard del Rosario and Sean Chambers will take over. Either way, we are getting started early,” Cone concluded.

Gilas is expected to be at full strength for the FIBA Asia Cup, with star player Justin Brownlee set to return after recovering from a thumb injury, while overseas-based talents like Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Kevin Quiambao are expected to join training during their offseason.

The Philippines men’s national basketball team has been drawn in Group D alongside Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq. Their first game is scheduled against Chinese Taipei on August 6 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

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