MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas will commence buildup for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 later this month, with naturalized ace Justin Brownlee expected to return in full health following a thumb injury that sidelined him earlier this year.

Coach Tim Cone confirmed the national team will kick off weekly practices, starting June 30, before moving into a full training camp in Clark, Pampanga in preparation for the continental showdown slated Aug. 5 to 17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

A friendly match against the Macau Black Bears is also lined up for late July, which Cone described as a potential “send-off” for fans before the team flies to the tournament.

But the veteran coach made it clear: Practice comes first.

“In my mind, right now, the friendlies are less important than playing games,” Cone said in an interview on sportscaster Noli Eala’s “Power and Play” radio program Saturday.

“We really need the practice time together... I’m really looking to sink our teeth into practice, get our system going a little bit more again.”

Brownlee is ready to return to action after recovering from a thumb injury he sustained in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals in March. TNT beat Ginebra in seven games.

“Well, Justin's fine. We’re hoping that he’ll be here by June 30, which is our first Monday practice,” Cone said. “His thumb is fine. He’s ready to go 100 percent, so no worry about that right now.”

Gilas Pilipinas has been drawn into a tough group alongside Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and Iraq in the group phase of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

READ: Gilas to open FIBA Asia Cup campaign vs. Chinese Taipei

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is also in close coordination with international association FIBA amid security concerns over tensions involving Saudi Arabia’s regional neighbors, Israel and Iran.

“We’re wondering if this will all push through, or if the venues will change,” Cone said. (PNA)