Gilas Pilipinas during its first practice in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup. –SBP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas hit the ground running upon its arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup.
After a half-day flight to Saudi Arabia for the continental meet, coach Tim Cone and Gilas held a late practice to keep the momentum going and adjust to the conditions.
READ: Familiar faces lead Gilas Pilipinas Final 12 for Fiba Asia Cup
Before flying to Jeddah, Gilas Pilipinas racked up a tune-up win over the Macau Black Bears, 103-98, on Monday.
“Now we realize that getting here early, adjusting to the time and weather, and having extra time to practice–it’s important for us,” said coach Tim Cone in a report on One Sports.
Cone and company were welcomed by the Jeddah Youth Ballers Club (JYBC), NGB Knights and FIBAQ (Qatar).
READ: Gilas rallies to victory in sendoff game ahead of Fiba Asia Cup
The Final 12 were all present in the squad’s first training in the Middle East, including Jamie Malonzo, who made noise on Thursday night after being signed by Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japanese B.League.
June Mar Fajardo and Calvin Oftana, who both sat out Monday’s action at Araneta Coliseum, were also in practice.
Also in the training session was Justin Brownlee, who tallied a double-double of 32 points and 15 rebounds in the Gilas win four days ago.
The guard ensemble of Chris Newsome, Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson and CJ Perez were also in attendance.
Big men AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, Japeth Aguilar and Kevin Quiambao were also seen prepping up their inside game for the upcoming hardwood warfare.
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Gilas Pilipinas opens the curtain of its Asia Cup bid on Wednesday at 2 am against Chinese Taipei at King Abdullah Sports City.
