Gilas Pilipinas heads to Taiwan after Doha tests

Gilas Pilipinas returns home briefly after a series of test games in Doha before departing again on Tuesday to face Chinese Taipei in Taiwan on Thursday, February 20.

Despite struggling with two losses and back-to-back flights in Qatar, the team shifts its focus to improving against Chinese Taipei for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Coach Tim Cone remains optimistic that the experience from Doha will make the team better despite a 'disappointing' performance in the 2nd Doha International Cup last week.

Naturalized player Justin Brownlee leads with an average of 15.5 points, eight rebounds, and three assists during recent games, while AJ Edu is set to return after recovering from a knee injury.

Kai Sotto remains out due to an ACL injury, leaving June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu to man the paint; however, this match provides an opportunity for barely-utilized players like Mason Amos and Troy Rosario.