Gilas Pilipinas will face the Macau Black Bears in a tune-up game on July 28, serving as their final test and official send-off before competing in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
Gilas Pilipinas Men will play a tune-up match against the Macau Black Bears on Sunday, July 28, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, as part of their final preparations for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The friendly will also serve as a formal send-off game for the national squad before they fly out to face Group B opponents New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Iraq in the continental tournament’s first round.
“Playing tuneup games before Gilas dives into the FIBA Asia Cup will only help the team out,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio. “While the team gets good competition, it’s also an opportunity for our Gilas fans to band together and send their team off before they fly out to Saudi Arabia.”
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone sees bigger roles for Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo for Gilas Pilipinas]
SBP organized the friendly to address the short preparation window caused by several players recently competing in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
Head coach Tim Cone emphasized the value of facing a team like the Black Bears, who previously stunned China with an 83-78 victory in a tune-up game last year.
“They beat the Chinese national team. They are really strong. They’ve got good imports. It could be a very interesting friendly for us,” Cone said.
The Macau Black Bears, formerly known as Chong Son Kung Fu, were established in 2017 and now compete in the East Asia Super League and The Asian Tournament, under head coach Garrett Kelly. Their lineup includes local Macau players, mixed heritage talents, and foreign reinforcements.
Gilas is expected to field its full available roster, minus big man Kai Sotto, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.
[ALSO READ: Gilas head coach Tim Cone gives injury update, recovery timeline on Justin Brownlee]
The Philippines is seeking redemption following a disappointing ninth-place finish in the previous edition of the FIBA Asia Cup.