SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at 2025 Fiba Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas huddles up during an exhibition game ahead of the Fiba Asia Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas may be competing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup but coach Tim Cone and the squad don’t feel like they’re in enemy territory at all.

There has been no shortage of Filipino support for Gilas after a couple of training sessions and a tune-up game under their belts since their arrival in Jeddah.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas at 2025 Fiba Asia Cup: what to know

“I think the response has been really awesome. We’ve had so many kids and parents come on over. Our players are obviously incredibly popular [with them],” Cone said in a video by One Sports shared by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

“It’s just a really good feeling for us when we see that we’re affecting people. People are really concerned about the way we play and do things. It’s a wonderful thing. We feel it back home and we feel [at] home here as well with all the responses and good wishes that we have.”

The Philippines began training in Jeddah last Thursday, almost immediately upon their arrival on the same day.

Gilas successfully went 2-0 in tune-up games before the continental meet after a 75-61 win over Jordan Saturday.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats Jordan in Fiba Asia Cup warmup

Jordan and Gilas played in a closed-door setting. However, in the Philippines’ practice before that game, fans continued to support the Nationals.

“You can hear some of the kids saying this is their best day ever and I remember being in that position at one time,” said Chris Newsome.

“For them to be able to meet their Gilas idols is a big motivation for them,” he added.

Gilas hopes to draw even more support from Filipinos when the Nationals open their Asia Cup campaign against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday at 2 a.m.