After what he considers a “trial year” for Gilas Pilipinas, head coach Tim Cone emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s current roster.
Cone, who began as interim coach in October 2023 before officially taking over in January 2024, has steered the team to remarkable achievements. These include clinching the Asian Games gold medal—the Philippines’ first in 61 years—and securing a historic win against Latvia during the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, marking their first victory over a European team in 64 years. Though Gilas fell short against Brazil in the semifinals, the team continued its strong performance, highlighted by a 93-89 upset over world No. 22 New Zealand in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Cone has consistently relied on a core group of players, including Justin Brownlee, Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, and several younger talents like Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao. This core was instrumental in their recent 93-54 win over Hong Kong.
Reflecting on the team’s development, Cone reiterated his preference for a tight-knit pool of players. “Expanding the pool means more teaching and less continuity,” he explained. While he remains open to minor adjustments, Cone believes a focused roster is key to progress.
Decisions about potential changes will be discussed at year-end when the coaching staff and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) assess their strategy moving forward. “Tweaks to personnel or systems are always possible if they make us better,” Cone added.
Despite his success, Cone credited his predecessors Chot Reyes and Tab Baldwin for laying the foundation. “I’m just building on what they set up,” he said.