The Philippines is set to play three group-stage games over a five-day stretch in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, which tips off three months from now in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Gilas Pilipinas kick off their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Chinese Taipei — the first step in what the national team hopes will be a golden run in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Philippines opens Group D play against a familiar foe on Wednesday (PH time), August 6 at 2:00 a.m.
After facing the Taiwanese — who shocked the Filipino cagers in their last meeting during the February window of the qualifiers — Gilas will face New Zealand in a highly-anticipated rematch at 11:00 p.m. (Manila time) two days later.
The world no. 34 squad shocked the Tall Blacks in their first meeting last November, before getting a taste of their own medicine in an 87-70 loss in Auckland three months later.
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The group stage concludes with a clash against Iraq on August 9 at 4:00 p.m., a match that could determine Gilas' seeding — or survival — depending on earlier results.
Grouped alongside perennial threats, Gilas will need a top finish in Group D to earn an automatic berth to the quarterfinals, which are scheduled for August 13-14.
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Should the squad fall short, they will enter the play-in round, where second and third-placed teams from each group will vie for the remaining four quarterfinal slots on August 11 and 12.
The semifinal round follows on August 16, with the bronze and gold medal matches set for August 17.
Gilas Pilpinas last ruled the FIBA Asia Cup way back in 1985, when the tournament was still named as the Asean Basketball Confederation (ABC) Championships.
In their last outing in 2022, the Philippines finished third in group stage play before failing to reach the quarterfinal round after a 102-81 blowout loss to Japan.