Head coach Tim Cone has openly expressed the significant challenge he faces in finalizing the Gilas Pilipinas roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifiers. The task of trimming the squad down to the Final 12 players who will battle in Guam is proving to be a difficult one for the seasoned mentor.
Narrowing Down the Roster
The national team's training pool has already been reduced from an original 18 players to a more focused group of 15 athletes. The recent cuts from the list included Kai Sotto, Calvin Oftana, and naturalized big man Ange Kouame, all of whom are currently dealing with injuries. This leaves Coach Cone with the need to remove just three more players to form the official 12-man lineup that will compete in Window 1 of the qualifiers, scheduled for November 28, 2025.
Cone was clear about the impact of the injuries, stating that had Sotto and Oftana been healthy, their spots on the Final 12 would have been guaranteed. Their absence opens up opportunities for other players but complicates the selection process.
The Remaining Contenders
The 15 players still vying for a spot in the Gilas Pilipinas lineup for the Guam campaign are: Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, naturalized player Justine Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Troy Rosario, RJ Abbarientos, Dwight Ramos, Quentin Millora-Brown, Juan Gomez De Liano, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Kevin Quiambao.
"We’re 15 basically and we got to cut to 12. We’re only taking 12 to Guam with us. But we’re 15 right now. These are going to be difficult decisions obviously," Cone remarked, highlighting the depth and talent currently available in the pool.
A Look Ahead for the Program
Despite the difficulty of the upcoming decisions, Coach Cone provided reassurance for the players who will not make the final cut for the Guam trip. He emphasized that any player not selected will remain part of the broader Gilas Pilipinas program. This indicates a long-term view, ensuring team depth and continuity for future international competitions beyond the immediate qualifiers.
