Asian Games-bound Gilas men's and women's teams to hold joint practice

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 13) — Gilas Pilipinas interim head coach Tim Cone announced Tuesday on his X (formerly Twitter) account that the men’s and women’s basketball teams are set to have a joint practice on Sept. 14 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

"Gilas Men's Team will have a joint practice with Gilas Women's Team at Philsports on Thursday, Sept 14. We will share the court and have interactions between both teams. The public is free to come and observe. The gates will open at 4 pm. NO tickets necessary," the veteran tactician posted.

In an earlier interview, Cone said this effort is to rally both squads as their preparations for the 19th Asian Games intensify.

“We want them to feel that we are all part of this going into the Asian games,” he said.

Returning players Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo are headlining the men's team alongside naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.

Also included in the lineup are World Cup team holdovers June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and RR Pogoy, with PBA cagers Chris Newsome, Mo Tautuaa, Calvin Oftana, and Jason Perkins.

Meanwhile in the women's side, Jack Animam, Janina Pontejos, and Afril Bernardino are expected to lead the charge with the final roster yet to be finalized.

The Asian Games will run from Sept. 23 to Aug. 8 in Hangzhou, China.