Cone excited to coach Gilas bigs

GILAS Pilipinas coach Tim Cone can’t hide his excitement with the chance of handling a myriad of talented and skilled big men for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers late this November. Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown, AJ Edu and Mile Phillips were all named to the Gilas Pilipinas final 12 that will be playing against Syria on Nov. 27 in Seremban, Malaysia. “It’s no secret that I like big lineups, so I’m excited to work with this one,” Cone told The Manila Times. The 7-3 Sotto is back in harness after missing seven games with his team Altira Chiba in the Japan B.League. Sotto averaged 15.5 points, 15 rebounds and over 3 assists in the Manila window of the qualifiers last August where the Philippines pulled off crucial victories against Jordan and Iran. Adding size and rebounding is Millora-Brown, while Phillips, the 6-8 former De La Salle University standout, brings athleticism and energy to the team. Millora-Brown and Phillips missed the fourth window against Jordan and Iran. “We’ll see if we can make it work and be efficient,” added Cone, who also has the 6-10 Edu at his disposal. The entry of Bennie Boatwright as the team’s naturalized player gives Gilas Pilipinas the...