Tim Cone assures cut players they remain part of Gilas’ pool

The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 intensifies as the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers looms, with Gilas Pilipinas eager to sustain the momentum of its strong opening statement in Group A.

The Philippines kicked off its qualifying campaign in dominant fashion during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten and assert itself early in the race for a spot in the tournament proper. The early results provided a glimpse of cohesion in head coach Tim Cone’s evolving system — a blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy anchored on discipline and defensive accountability.

But the climb only steepens from here.

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Awaiting Gilas in the next set of fixtures are Oceania powerhouses — the Australia men’s national basketball team and the New Zealand men’s national basketball team — two programs known for their physicality, depth, and consistent presence on the global stage. Australia, a perennial medal contender in major FIBA competitions, brings size across all positions and a system honed in elite international play. New Zealand, meanwhile, counters with toughness, structure, and a tradition of disciplined execution.

For Cone and Gilas, the challenge is as much about internal competition as it is about preparing for world-class opposition.

The veteran American mentor has yet to finalize his 12-man roster for the second window, emphasizing that selection remains fluid and performance-based. In Cone’s program, no roster spot is guaranteed — and no player left out is truly out of the picture.

“You play yourself on, you play off the team, that’s what it is, that’s the bottomline, while the other thing is, no matter who is out for this final 12, they are still very much in, in the program,” Cone said during an appearance on Power and Play.

Cone underscored that last-minute changes to the lineup are part of the natural evolution of a national team program. Chemistry, form, health, and tactical needs all factor into the final decisions. What matters most, he stressed, is that every player continues to develop within the framework Gilas is building toward 2027.

“GUSTO KO LAGI NA MAY PRESSURE SA SARILI KO.” 🇵🇭🏀

Now a vital piece for Coach Tim Cone’s Gilas Pilipinas, Kevin Quiambao embraces the weight of expectations as the national team gears up for crucial matchups against New Zealand and Australia.

Quiambao also shared his thoughts… pic.twitter.com/zX0gtncYXi

— Smart Sports (@SmartSports_PH) February 24, 2026

“We have seen how things have changed, Quentin Millora-Brown coming in, Japeth Aguilar retiring, this is a normal progression for a basketball team. You want to continually grow and we all see how things go, but no matter what happens, those who won’t make it are still part of the pool,” he added.

Indeed, transition has already been a theme for Gilas. The entry of big man Quentin Millora-Brown adds size and defensive versatility to the frontline, while the retirement of longtime pillar Japeth Aguilar marks the end of an era. Such changes highlight Cone’s long-term vision — blending continuity with calculated renewal.

As it stands, the Gilas pool features a compelling mix of established stars and emerging talents. Naturalized ace Justin Brownlee is expected to spearhead the campaign once again, providing leadership and scoring punch on the wing. He is joined by veteran cornerstone June Mar Fajardo, whose interior presence remains a focal point on both ends of the floor.

The backcourt and wing rotation includes steady contributors such as Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, and Chris Newsome — players capable of defending multiple positions while thriving in Cone’s read-and-react offensive sets.

Meanwhile, youth and length come in the form of AJ Edu and Millora-Brown, both of whom provide mobility and rim protection crucial against the towering frontlines of Australia and New Zealand.

Still, competition for the remaining spots remains fierce. RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, Juan Gomez de Liano, and Justine Baltazar are all in contention, each bringing distinct strengths — from perimeter shot creation to rebounding and floor spacing.

With only 12 slots available, the final decisions will hinge on matchups, versatility, and familiarity with Cone’s system. More than individual statistics, the emphasis remains on cohesion and role clarity.

For Gilas Pilipinas, the objective extends beyond merely surviving the second window. The goal is to measure progress against elite competition, refine rotations under pressure, and solidify an identity capable of carrying the program through the long qualification grind.

If the first window was about setting the tone, the second will be about proving sustainability. Against Oceania’s finest, Gilas will find out just how far its early promise can carry it — and how much further it still needs to go.

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