Photo credit: FIBA Asia Cup

Even though Gilas Pilipinas has already secured a spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, head coach Tim Cone knows the toughest part of the journey is still ahead. As the final window of the qualifiers approaches, the national team faces a challenging road trip that could define their preparation for the main event in Saudi Arabia.

In February, Gilas will hit the road for back-to-back games against Chinese Taipei on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23. Both teams were defeated by Gilas on home turf—Chinese Taipei took a crushing 106-53 loss in the first window, and the Tall Blacks fell 93-89 in a thrilling win during the second window. But this time, the challenge is different: playing away from the comfort of home.

"That's going to be important for us to learn because we're going to have to learn how to play on the road and win on the road." Cone said.

Cone added taking on the Taiwanese and Tall Blacks back-to-back on the road is one daunting task for Gilas going to the Asia Cup tournament proper in Saudi Arabia from August 5 to 17.

Cone knows this final window is going to be tough, especially with both matches on the road. "The two away games we're going to have in February is going to be the toughest part of the window. Two toughest teams, and both on the road," he added. "It's going to be a tough load for us, and we're already looking forward to that challenge."

With the Asia Cup tournament just months away, Gilas will be hoping that their road warrior mentality helps them rise to the occasion and get the wins they need to head into the tournament in top form.