Philippines vs Chinese Tapei [FIBA Asia Cup 2025 | October 6]

Like the rest of the teams competing in the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, Gilas Pilipinas is heading to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with one singular goal in mind: to claim the highly coveted gold medal.

Coach Tim Cone has been unequivocal about the men’s national team’s mission, emphasizing their intent even before departing from Manila for the Middle East.

Such assertive words come from a coach who recently led Gilas Pilipinas to a monumental gold medal victory at the Asian Games, breaking a 61-year gold drought by triumphing in Hangzhou, China, in 2023.

At 67, this storied coach remains grounded, acknowledging that the competition in this prestigious tournament doesn’t commence until late Tuesday night (Manila time).

Gilas begins its journey in Group D, facing off against Chinese Taipei—a match that Cone has stated occupies the team’s full attention at this moment.

Following the clash with Taipei, the Philippines will take on world no. 22 New Zealand on Thursday, before concluding the group stage on Saturday against Iraq.

The top teams emerging from the four groups at the end of this round will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the second and third-placed teams from each group will enter a crossover playoff format.

In the last edition of this continental tournament, held three years ago in Jakarta, the Philippines finished in ninth place.

While Cone is not making any guarantees about exceeding their 2022 performance, the aspiration for Gilas—much like that of all participating teams—is firmly fixed on securing the gold medal.