The 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan are a little over a month away and preparations are under way. The Philippines is already in the thick of preparations for some sports, but some remain constrained by professional leagues with ongoing seasons. One such example is basketball, as the PBA remains in the middle of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, while Japan’s B.League and Korea’s KBL are gearing up for their upcoming seasons.
Gilas Pilipinas enters this year’s edition of the quadrennial meet as the defending champions for Men’s 5×5 Basketball, having gone on a thrilling gold-medal run that served as one of the highlights of the Tim Cone era. At that time, it was somewhat of a hastily-assembled lineup following the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which was co-hosted by the Philippines. Expectations were low, but Gilas went on an inspired run, ending a 61-year gold medal drought.
This time, though, Gilas Pilipinas has come prepared.
A big pool was an uncommon sight in the Tim Cone era and while a 30-man pool is what is usually submitted prior to the tournament, the list is a guard against circumstances beyond the Philippines’ control. The nature of the Asian Games competition is not just about eligibility issues; with the growing number of Filipinos playing in Asian leagues, chances are they will be unable to get clearance from their professional teams, regardless if this is a deliberate tactic from the leagues to help their locals or just mere coincidence.
Beyond that, there are players such as Bennie Boatwright and perhaps even June Mar Fajardo, who has foregone surgery and much-needed rest after playing basketball non-stop for pretty much two years, who are recovering from injuries. It also remains to be seen how Calvin Oftana’s recovery from toe surgery will pan out.
Nonetheless, Gilas must march on because no one will adjust but them. Getting the Gilas Pilipinas roster together ASAP is critical considering the 2026 Asian Games basketball tournament will be held from September 10 to 20, which is much earlier than the September 19 to October 4 schedule this year’s Asian Games is officially slated for. The likes of Zavier Lucero, Adrian Nocum, and Sedrick Barefield have been added to the lineup, bringing in new blood and adding continuity to the future of the national team.
The PBA has also been supportive of the Philippines’ cause, as they have adjusted their schedule to accommodate the 2026 Asian Games and the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying window this month. While the league has usually been supportive in recent years, for it to move a conference during its milestone seasons speaks volumes about the level of commitment the PBA has in wanting Gilas to succeed.
Even with some factors working in their favor, Gilas Pilipinas will never have a perfect lineup, save for when the Philippines is the host of the SEA Games or perhaps even the 2026 Asian Games. But assembling a competitive lineup is worth pursuing, especially if it can be done with enough time to prepare and with some efforts towards succession. Because winning the Asian Games gold is well and nice, but setting up a winning program remains a priority.
