WITH tensions escalating in the Middle East due to the ongoing exchange of air strikes between Iran and Israel, concerns are mounting over the safety of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup for Gilas Pilipinas.
The conflict started on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise bombing campaign. Given the scale of the hostilities and the military capabilities of both nations, it’s evident that the situation is far from being resolved.
This puts major events like the highly anticipated Asia Cup—set to take place in August in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which lies just south of Iran—at significant risk of getting interupted.
Safety Concerns
Keeping that in mind, Gilas Pilipinas and head coach Tim Cone have voiced their concerns the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), emphasizing that player safety remains a topic that still needs to be addressed.
“The big question in our mind right now, and we are not going to make too big of a deal about it, but will we continue to play in Jeddah with all the things that are going on in the Middle East right now?” Cone asked.
“Whether they will change the venue or such and that’s something that we are monitoring with FIBA as well,” the tactician added, airing his concerns last Saturday during the Power and Play program of Noli Eala.
The Asia Cup is scheduled to take place from August 5 to 17, featuring 16 teams, including the Philippines. However, tensions rose on Sunday following attacks by the US and Israel on three suspected Iranian nuclear sites.
In the meantime, Cone mentioned that the SBP is in constant communication with FIBA officials. Still, the team remains uncertain about whether the tournament will proceed as planned.
“Erika Dy (SBP executive director) is in contact with FIBA everyday and we have questions about that. A lot of stuff going on in that area. We wonder if it’s going to push through or maybe the venue will change,” said Cone.
Time to Prepare
Gilas is set to face familiar foes New Zealand and Chinese Taipei, followed by a matchup with Iraq in the group stage of the continental tournament.
After previous defeats to the Tall Blacks and the Taiwanese, the national team faces a tough lineup and must carefully plan its schedule to ensure enough time for proper preparation.
“Gilas is coming up quickly, so we spent time at the end of the eliminations to go through and try to get something done for Gilas in terms of practice schedule,” Cone shared.
“We’re gonna have a Zoom meeting with all the players on Monday to go over that, and we’re also trying to get some Monday practices before we come together. We will start sometime during the Finals.”
“If I am not in the Finals, then I will coach the practices. But if I am in the Finals, we’ll get Richard and Sean Chambers to handle the practices. We’re trying to get 18 practices together, including two-a-day practices, and a short camp before we leave,” he added.
If all goes according to plan and the tensions between Iran and Israel ease in the coming weeks, Gilas Pilipinas is set to face Chinese Taipei in their opening game in Jeddah on August 6 at 2:00 a.m. (Manila Time).
