MANILA, Philippines — November 12, 2026 — Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is putting national team responsibilities ahead of a rare opportunity to reunite with his family in the United States, choosing to remain in the Philippines during the break before the country’s next FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying assignments.
With the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals completed and Gilas preparing for its November qualifying campaign, Cone had an opportunity to travel to the United States and spend time with his family.
Instead, the veteran basketball coach decided against making the long journey.
The decision carries a personal cost. Cone recently became a grandfather after his daughter Nikki gave birth in Washington, D.C. He was unable to travel to welcome his first grandchild because he was occupied with Barangay Ginebra’s quarterfinal series against San Miguel Beer.
His son Kevin’s wedding also previously conflicted with his coaching responsibilities during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games schedule.
For Cone, however, the next opportunity to see his grandson will have to wait.
In comments reported by The Philippine Star’s Joaquin M. Henson on November 12, Cone explained that traveling to the United States for such a short period would not be practical.
Nikki and her baby are expected to visit in January, giving him another opportunity to meet his grandson.
His wife, Cris, is also in Washington, D.C., and is scheduled to return to the Philippines on November 20. Gilas is due to depart for Malaysia the following day.
That means the couple will have very little time together before Cone resumes his national team responsibilities.
Why Tim Cone Is Staying in the Philippines Instead of Visiting His Family
The timing of Gilas Pilipinas’ next international assignment is a major factor behind Cone’s decision.
The Philippines will travel to Seremban, Malaysia, for the fifth window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Gilas is scheduled to face Syria on November 27 before taking on Iran on November 29.
Both games are important to the Philippines’ attempt to improve its position in Group E and keep its World Cup qualification campaign alive.
With a limited preparation period, Cone cannot afford to lose additional time before the team begins its training camp.
The overseas-based players are expected to arrive in Manila on November 20, while the team is scheduled to leave for Malaysia on November 21.
The coaching staff will therefore have only a short period to integrate the returning players and newly available reinforcements into the system.
Cone’s decision to remain in the country reflects the importance of those preparations.
It also demonstrates the demands of managing both a professional club and a national basketball program.
Gilas Pilipinas Faces Two Crucial FIBA Qualifying Games
The November qualifying window represents another important test for the Philippines.
Gilas enters the upcoming games with a 4-4 win-loss record in Group E, placing the national team fifth in the six-team standings, according to the latest reporting on the qualifying campaign.
The Philippines needs stronger results to improve its position in the race for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
Its next opponents are:
November 27 – Philippines vs. Syria
The opening assignment gives Gilas an opportunity to secure an important victory against a Syrian team that entered the November window with a 2-6 record.
November 29 – Philippines vs. Iran
The second matchup presents a tougher challenge. Iran entered the window with a 5-3 record and remains among the stronger contenders in Group E.
According to FIBA’s published Window 5 schedule, Group E matches will take place at Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia.
The Philippines needs to make the most of both games because results from the qualifying rounds carry over into the next stage.
Bennie Boatwright’s Debut Adds Another Challenge for Tim Cone
One of the biggest developments heading into the November window is the expected national team debut of newly naturalized player Bennie Boatwright.
The former San Miguel Beermen import is included in the 12-man Gilas lineup announced on November 11.
His arrival gives Cone another scoring option and additional frontcourt versatility.
However, introducing a new player into an established system requires preparation.
Boatwright must become familiar with the team’s offensive sets, defensive assignments and overall playing style.
Cone has indicated that if Boatwright arrives earlier than the other overseas-based players, he may arrange a practice session with Barangay Ginebra to help introduce him to the Gilas system.
That could provide valuable preparation before the team travels to Malaysia.
The challenge is particularly important because Gilas will not have an extended training camp.
Gilas Reveals Its 12-Man Lineup for the November Qualifiers
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced the national team’s 12-man lineup on November 11, with several familiar names returning to strengthen the squad.
The confirmed lineup includes:
- Rhenz Abando
- Bennie Boatwright
- AJ Edu
- Juan Gomez de Liaño
- Quentin Millora-Brown
- Chris Newsome
- CJ Perez
- Mike Phillips
- Kevin Quiambao
- Dwight Ramos
- Kai Sotto
- Scottie Thompson
The lineup combines experienced national team players, returning reinforcements and Boatwright’s anticipated debut.
The inclusion of Kai Sotto is also notable following questions surrounding his availability earlier in the month.
The roster gives Cone several options in the frontcourt, including Sotto, Edu, Millora-Brown, Phillips and Boatwright.
Their combined size could help the Philippines compete against physically imposing opponents.
Why Calvin Oftana and Carl Tamayo Are Missing
Gilas will also have to adjust to the absence of two players, Calvin Oftana and Carl Tamayo.
According to GMA News reporting on November 11, Oftana requested to be excused because his wife is expected to give birth during the qualifying window.
Tamayo, meanwhile, will miss the campaign because of a badly sprained ankle.
Their absences opened opportunities for Rhenz Abando and Quentin Millora-Brown to return to the national team lineup.
The changes mean Cone must balance the available players while ensuring the team can maintain its chemistry and competitiveness.
With only a short preparation period, every training session will matter.
No Manila Training Camp as Overseas Players Arrive Late
Another complication involves the availability of players competing overseas.
Gilas assistant coach Richard del Rosario is expected to travel to Malaysia ahead of the team to arrange essential preparations, including practice facilities and accommodation.
The coaching staff will not hold a full training camp in Manila because only a limited number of players are available locally.
Cone’s comments reflect the difficulty of organizing a national team when players are committed to professional clubs in different countries.
The overseas players are expected to arrive in Manila on November 20, leaving very little time before the November 21 departure.
For the coaching staff, the priority will be making sure everyone understands the system before the first game against Syria.
What Happens After the FIBA Qualifiers?
Cone’s responsibilities will not end when Gilas finishes its November assignments.
After the games against Syria and Iran, he will return his attention to the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals, which are scheduled to begin on December 4.
That means the veteran coach will move from international competition back to the demands of professional basketball almost immediately.
Managing both commitments requires careful preparation, particularly when the schedules leave little room for rest.
It also helps explain why Cone has decided against making a long international trip during the short break.
For a coach balancing national and club responsibilities, even a few days can make a difference.
Tim Cone’s Commitment Goes Beyond Basketball
The story behind Cone’s decision is about more than travel arrangements and training schedules.
It highlights the personal sacrifices that can accompany coaching at the highest levels of Philippine basketball.
Missing his son’s wedding, being unable to welcome his first grandchild immediately and choosing not to travel to the United States during the latest break all demonstrate the demands of his professional responsibilities.
However, his decision should not be mistaken for a lack of importance placed on family.
Cone has already identified January as the opportunity to spend time with his daughter and grandson.
For now, his attention remains on Gilas Pilipinas and the challenge ahead.
The Philippines needs important victories against Syria and Iran to strengthen its World Cup qualification campaign.
With Bennie Boatwright joining the lineup, several key players returning and a limited preparation period, Cone faces another demanding assignment.
