Gilas Pilipinas eyes Paris Olympics ticket in FIBA OQT

Gilas Pilipinas is competing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia from July 2 to 7, aiming to secure the lone ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The team, led by coach Tim Cone, will have 11 players, as Scottie Thompson, AJ Edu, and Jamie Malonzo are unavailable due to injuries.

Naturalized player Justin Brownlee will spearhead Gilas' campaign, with other key players including June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Calvin Oftana, Carl Tamayo, Japeth Aguilar, and Mason Amos.

The team has been training in Riga and has played friendlies against Turkey and Poland, losing both games.

Team manager Richard del Rosario emphasized the need to limit turnovers and improve defense, stating the focus is on winning against Latvia and Georgia.

Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled to play Latvia on July 4 at 12 a.m. Manila time, facing a Latvian team that might be without Kristaps Porzingis but still features NBA players like Davis Bertans.