The Philippine national basketball team has finalized its roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, with two new faces making their major international debut under coach Tim Cone's leadership.
New Additions to Gilas Roster
RJ Abarrientos and Fil-American Quentin Millora-Brown have earned their spots in the Final 12 lineup for Window 1 of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. This marks the first time both players will represent the Philippines in a major international competition wearing the national colors.
The selection process concluded on November 25, 2025, following intensive training sessions and evaluation by the coaching staff. Both newcomers bring fresh talent and energy to the squad as they prepare for crucial matches ahead.
Veteran Core Returns
Abarrientos and Millora-Brown will join established Gilas Pilipinas veterans including Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Chris Newsome, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, CJ Perez, and naturalized player Justine Brownlee.
The final cuts from the original 18-man training pool were particularly difficult, with Jamie Malonzo, Troy Rosario, and Juan Gomez De Liano failing to make the final roster. Coach Cone expressed the challenge of these decisions during the team's sendoff event on Monday, November 24.
Coach Cone's Selection Challenge
"We the staff had to make some really, really tough decisions coming in with the Final 12 because everybody came to work. And there's no reason for anybody to be in or out. Everybody probably should be in," Cone stated during the sendoff ceremony, as published on the official PBA website.
The coach emphasized that every player in the training pool demonstrated commitment and skill, making the final selection process exceptionally challenging for the coaching staff.
Upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifier Matches
In Window 1 of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas finds itself in Group A alongside Guam, Australia, and New Zealand. The team's first assignment will be an away game against Guam on Friday, November 28.
The Philippine squad will then host Guam on December 1 in their second match of the qualifying window. These games represent crucial early tests for the newly-formed lineup as they begin their campaign to secure a spot in the FIBA World Cup.
The inclusion of Abarrientos and Millora-Brown signals coach Cone's strategy of blending experienced international players with promising new talent, creating a balanced roster capable of competing against Asia's basketball powerhouses.
