Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) just announced that Tim Cone will be the as Head Coach for Gilas Pilipinas Men. Together with Tim Cone’s announcement, SBP also announced the 12 players roster for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, set this February 2024. The 12 players are composed of current PBA and UAAP players, as well as those playing in the Japanese B-League as imports.
Coach Tim Cone is one of the winningest coach in the PBA, a 25 times champion with 38 Finals appearances. He is currently the head coach of the most popular team in the PBA, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, a gig that he got in 2015.
“Coach Tim accomplished what has not been done in decades with only a few weeks to prepare and multiple challenges in terms of personnel so we’re excited to see what he can accomplish with a long-term program in place especially if such program is supported by all basketball stakeholders.” said SBP President Al Panlilio.
“Earlier this month, coach Tim presented his plans to local leagues from which players will likely be selected from. This program will be put to test this year and adjustments will be made as necessary,” added SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.
The Philippines is also included in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 2 to 7 in Latvia.
WATCH: Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is present at the PSA Awards, where he discusses his current pool of players for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. | via @jeck_batallones pic.twitter.com/W0R3nGazxr
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 29, 2024
The 12 players roster for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers are;
PBA players
- Scottie Thompson
- Chris Newsome
- Calvin Oftana
- CJ Perez
- Jamie Malonzo
- June Mar Fajardo
Japanese B-League imports
- Dwight Ramos
- AJ Edu
- Carl Tamayo
- Kai Sotto
UAAP
- Kevin Quiambao
Justin Brownlee is also listed as a naturalized player but this is still waiting FIBA’s approval.
Handa na ulit lumaban Para sa Bayan! 🇵🇭
Coach Tim Cone and Gilas Pilipinas will represent the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/jfVR71Oxv9
— SBP (@officialSBPinc) January 29, 2024