Tim Cone is shelving the towering game plan that ruled the FIBA window and handing the ball to Gilas Pilipinas’ guards for a faster, push-the-ball attack when the Asian Games title defense tips off this month.
A smaller, faster Gilas
“It’s a different system. It’s more of an uptempo, push-the-ball style because they’re a little bit smaller,” the American coach told ABS-CBN News during the squad’s buildup. After Kai Sotto, AJ Edu and the now-retired June Mar Fajardo towered over opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, the spotlight shifts to the backcourt, with guards like Adrian Nocum, Robert Bolick and RJ Abarrientos are expected to lead the charge.
An all-PBA squad
Because overseas-based regulars are unavailable, the Nationals are bringing a PBA-heavy lineup to Aichi-Nagoya. Justin Arana, Zav Lucero and Justine Baltazar anchor a frontcourt that lets Cone play a style he says fans will enjoy. “They’re gonna use their speed and quickness to get up and down the floor,” he added.
- Backcourt: Adrian Nocum, Robert Bolick, Sedrick Barefield, RJ Abarrientos, Jerrick Ahanmisi
- Frontcourt: Justin Arana, Zav Lucero, Justine Baltazar
- Coach: Tim Cone (handling both Gilas squads)
The road through Group C
Gilas opens its campaign on September 11 against Bahrain in Group C, then faces Kazakhstan on September 12 and longtime rival China on September 14. Cone is bracing for a tough stretch, calling Kazakhstan “a big team” that has given the Philippines problems before.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| September 11 | Bahrain |
| September 12 | Kazakhstan |
| September 14 | China |
The Philippines enters Japan as the defending men’s basketball champion, having topped the podium in the previous Asian Games. This uptempo iteration is a deliberate pivot from the size-heavy outfit that swept its FIBA qualifiers window, and it follows a major shakeup after June Mar Fajardo’s retirement from the national program.
“The fans and their countrymen are gonna have a lot of fun watching that team,” Cone said. “They’re so motivated to come out and play for their country.”
