Gilas Pilipinas is ramping up its preparations for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025, with head coach Tim Cone set to gather the national pool via Zoom meeting next week to finalize schedules and logistics.
“We’ll go over the practice schedule. We’re trying to get some Monday practices before we actually come together. We will start sometime during the (PBA) finals,” said Cone during an interview on Power and Play with Noli Eala.
Cone, whose Barangay Ginebra squad is currently in the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup against San Miguel, already has contingencies depending on the Kings’ playoff fate.
“If I am not in the finals, then I will obviously coach the practices. But if I am in the finals, then we’ll get Richard (Del Rosario) and Sean Chambers to handle the practices while I’m with Ginebra,” he said.
The veteran tactician is targeting around 18 total practices, which includes a training camp in Clark, Pampanga, possibly featuring twice-a-day sessions. Gilas is also scheduled to face the Macau Bears in a tune-up match before flying to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and will seek another friendly with a fellow Asia Cup participant upon arrival.
“So we’re hoping to have 18 practices that include friendlies before we actually get into the first game proper on August 5,” Cone added.
Gilas is bracketed in Group D alongside Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq.
The national team opens its campaign against Chinese Taipei on August 6, followed by New Zealand on August 8 and Iraq on August 10 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The post Gilas Pilipinas sets early plans for FIBA Asia Cup; Tim Cone eyes 18 practices, Clark camp first appeared on Fastbreak.
0 comments: