Gilas Pilipinas Set for Final Tuneup Against Macau Black Bears Before FIBA Asia Cup 2025
A Crucial Sendoff Before the Big Stage
Gilas Pilipinas is set to sharpen its edge one last time before heading to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, taking on the Macau Black Bears in a high-stakes exhibition match on Monday, July 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with local fans eager to catch a glimpse of the national squad in action before they fly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the prestigious tournament running from August 5 to 17.
This matchup serves as both a public sendoff and a valuable testing ground for the squad, allowing head coach Tim Cone to assess player chemistry, rotations, and readiness under competitive conditions.
Roster Challenges: Key Players Rested
The road to Jeddah hasn’t been smooth. Gilas enters this friendly still battling the effects of a fragmented preparation. Several players were preoccupied with deep playoff runs in the PBA, limiting practice availability and full-team cohesion.
Notably, Calvin Oftana and June Mar Fajardo, who both played significant roles in San Miguel’s championship run in the recent PBA Philippine Cup Finals, will sit out this game. Fellow Beerman CJ Perez is expected to see only limited minutes as he gradually returns to full form.
Despite these absences, Gilas has been training steadily since July 7, focusing on team chemistry, offensive sets, and defensive adjustments ahead of what promises to be a grueling international campaign.
Key Objectives of the Friendly Match
Monday’s game is more than just an exhibition—it’s a crucial checkpoint. With only two scheduled tuneups before the Asia Cup (the second being against Jordan), this contest offers Coach Cone and his staff a rare opportunity to assess how the team performs in real-time conditions.
The coaching staff will be closely watching player rotations, team defense, transition execution, and late-game composure. For fans, it’s a first look at the lineup that will carry the country’s hopes on the continental stage.
A Familiar Face on the Other Side
Adding a layer of intrigue to the evening is Quentin Millora-Brown, a former standout from the University of the Philippines. Now suiting up for the Macau Black Bears, Millora-Brown’s return to Philippine basketball adds a narrative element to the friendly match, as he goes head-to-head with familiar territory and faces.
The Bigger Picture: Building Momentum for Asia
With the FIBA Asia Cup just around the corner, the importance of every possession in this game cannot be overstated. Gilas is still searching for rhythm and a reliable offensive identity, and these tuneups are essential for ironing out kinks before facing Asia’s best.
The team’s final composition may still shift before August 5, depending on player availability and performance in these friendlies. But one thing is clear: Gilas Pilipinas is fully focused on representing the country with pride, grit, and unity on the continental stage.