After completing a successful fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Philippines turns its attention to defending the men's basketball crown at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Gilas Pilipinas heads to the Asian Games with a different squad to that which swept Jordan and Iran in the qualifiers, the revamped roster built largely around PBA talent.
We look at the players tasked with defending the title.
Bolick leads returning national team players
Justin Brownlee's availability for the Asian Games remains uncertain, leaving NLEX Road Warriors guard Robert Bolick as one of Gilas Pilipinas' primary offensive options.
Bolick enters the Asiad as arguably the most seasoned international player among Gilas' 11 confirmed players.
He represented the Philippines at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup and, more recently, helped the country retain the men's basketball title at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
"Una kong pasok sa World Cup, ako yung pinaka-bata, pero ngayon ako na yung pinaka-beterano," Bolick said about being among the veterans in this iteration of Gilas.
"Pero at the same time, masaya syempre na nakikita ko yung mga kapwa PBA player na magagaling na talaga from the distance
"Masaya ako na may natututunan sa kanila and hopefully may matutunan din sila sa akin. Kung ano man yung pinagtrabahuhan namin, sana manalo kami."
The 30-year-old gives Gilas a primary creator who can generate offense both on and off the ball, particularly through high pick-and-rolls, downhill drives and paint touches that force defenses to collapse.
Once he draws help, Bolick can punish rotations with his passing or create separation for his pull-up game, giving Gilas a reliable option when possessions break down.
That playmaking has translated to the PBA, where Bolick is averaging 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.1 assists through 31 games of the 50th season while posting a 60.2 TS%.
Don Trollano is another familiar face for Gilas, although he will make his Asian Games debut after being a late scratch from the 2018 tournament to make room for NBA player Jordan Clarkson.
Gilas has 11 players confirmed, with the 12th spot being held open for Brownlee should he receive clearance to play.
Nocum headlines first-timers
This version of Gilas Pilipinas should have plenty of pace, with Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum among the players who can help drive it.
The Tondo, Manila native is one of the PBA's most exciting open-court guards and gets his first opportunity on the international stage as his game continues to develop.
"Syempre, nagpapasalamat ako na napasama ako dito and excited din," Nocum said after being part of national team for the first time.
"Ibibigay ko lang yung best ko every game kung ano yung matutulong ko sa team.
"Excited lang makipag-compete sa ibang mga lahi."
Nocum has become increasingly comfortable handling the ball, pushing the tempo and creating out of the pick-and-roll.
His ability to attack gaps and get downhill gives Gilas another guard capable of pressuring defenses off the bounce and creating opportunities for himself or his teammates.
He also fits a different version of Gilas under head coach Tim Cone, with this roster not expected to rely on the triangle offense that has featured prominently in some of Cone's previous national teams.
Instead, the emphasis can shift toward pace, ball movement and giving guards such as Nocum the freedom to make plays in space.
Nocum headlines a group of Asian Games first-timers that also includes Governors' Cup third-leading scorer Sedrick Barefield (19.2 ppg), third-ranked shot blocker Zavier Lucero (1.3 bpg), Brandon Bates and Jerrick Ahanmisi.
Together, they give Cone greater athleticism, versatility and shot-making, while offering several players their first opportunity to test their game against international competition.
Window 4 pool members join Asian Games squad
This new-look Gilas squad still features three players with a direct link to the team that swept the fourth FIBA World Cup Asian qualifying window: RJ Abarrientos, Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar.
Their roles were limited in the wins over Jordan and Iran -- Abarrientos was left out of the final 12 against Jordan, Arana did not play against Iran, while Baltazar saw limited minutes -- but that experience under Cone could nevertheless prove valuable as Gilas transitions to a different roster and style for the Asian Games.
Abarrientos gives Gilas another quick, dynamic guard who can push the ball, create out of the pick-and-roll and knock down perimeter shots.
Arana adds size and athleticism in the frontcourt, with his ability to run the floor and finish around the rim fitting the team's emphasis on playing faster.
Baltazar provides a physical interior presence and gives Cone another big capable of rebounding, defending and helping keep the offense moving from the frontcourt.
Those skill sets could become even more important if Cone leans into pace, spacing and individual playmaking.
"Pag kay Coach Tim kasi na sistema, mas nagrerely talaga sa half-court offense namin eh," Abarrientos said.
"Pero ngayon kasi puro fresh legs kami, kahit yung mga bigs namin mga mobile and nakakatakbo talaga.
"Ayun yung advantage namin ngayon na kahit undersized man kami, malalaki yung puso namin pag dating sa court."
Gilas Pilipinas at the Asian Games
Gilas Pilipinas is drawn in Group C alongside Bahrain, Kazakhstan and China.
Fixtures
Sept. 11: Philippines vs. Bahrain
Sept. 12: Philippines vs. Kazakhstan
Sept. 14: Philippines vs. China
Tournament progression
Quarterfinals: Sept. 16
Semifinals: Sept. 18
Final: Sept. 20
