Cone: Justin Arana, Mike Phillips included in Gilas Pilipinas pool for Asian Games pending eligibility rules

The inclusion of players like Justin Arana and Mike Phillips in the Gilas Pilipinas pool is part of the Philippines’ preparations for the Asian Games, as the team awaits the final eligibility rules for the continental tournament.

Arana was earlier reported to have been called up to the national squad, but Gilas head coach Tim Cone clarified that several names are currently included in the initial list.

“It’s all about the Asian Games. There’s like 30 players on that list, so we had to make a long list because we don’t know the eligibility rules and stuff. Justin’s on it, Mike Phillips is on it. There’s all kinds of players,” Cone said.

“That has nothing to do with the FIBA window,” the Gilas coach added, noting that the core team for the FIBA windows remains unchanged.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said the inclusion of the likes of Justin Arana and Mike Phillips to the national team’s list is for the Asian Games as they await for final eligibility rules. The core team for the FIBA windows will still be the same. @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/Wamzed7Kvi

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 10, 2026

The 2026 Asian Games will be held from mid-September to early October, while the next window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers is scheduled for July.

—JMB, GMA News