Cone rules out Gilas pool expansionMANILA, Philippines — As much as he wanted to after being impressed by a bevy of standouts in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Gilas Pilipinas “A” team head coach Tim Cone is not keen on expanding its training pool anytime soon. But for Cone, there’s a reason why he keeps his core small and intact given the tight schedule of the PBA and overseas leagues for FIBA tournaments. For Cone, having a big pool is only applicable with long preparation time like Gilas under coach Chot Reyes did in the 2023 FIBA World Cup hosting after being together for more than three months. And for Cone, that might be the pool for good as Gilas braces for the second window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next February at home against Australia and New Zealand in Group A. SBP managed to form a still competitive and contender Gilas “B” team for SEAG.

Source: Philippine Star December 23, 2025 15:00 UTC