National basketball team Gilas Pilipinas has expanded its roster with two fresh faces as preparations intensify for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
New Additions to National Training Pool
Head coach Tim Cone confirmed that Juan Gomez De Liano and Quentin Millora-Brown have received invitations to join the Gilas Pilipinas training pool. This marks the first national team call-up for both players, signaling Coach Cone's intention to explore new talent options.
"We've invited Juan to the practice. This doesn't necessarily mean he's going to be in the Final 12, but he will come and join us," Cone stated in an official release published on the PBA website.
Learning Curve for New Players
Coach Cone emphasized that both players will need to quickly adapt to the national team system as training camp begins. The veteran coach expects both athletes to report when Gilas initiates its training sessions on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
"QMB and Juan will be the only ones who don't know the system and need to be taught. They will be starting from ground zero," Cone explained, highlighting the learning curve facing the new additions.
Upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Schedule
The Philippine national team will commence its campaign in the opening window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on November 28, 2025, facing off against Guam in an away game.
Gilas Pilipinas will depart for Guam on November 25, 2025, giving the team several days to acclimate before the crucial qualifying match. The inclusion of De Liano and Millora-Brown provides Coach Cone with additional options as he finalizes his lineup for this important international competition.
