GILAS GEARING UP: PH Faces Macau Black Bears in Big Dome Tune-Up Before FIBA Asia Cup

by Raymund Tamayo

Gilas Pilipinas. Photo: FIBA

The road to FIBA Asia Cup 2025 heats up as Gilas Pilipinas returns to the court for a high-energy tune-up match against the Macau Black Bears on July 28 at the legendary Smart Araneta Coliseum—marking a critical stop before the national squad heads to the regional battlefield in Saudi Arabia.

Billed as a “send-off game”, the match promises more than just fanfare—it’s a litmus test for Gilas’ final roster, chemistry, and readiness. For Filipino hoops fans, it’s also a first look at the new-look lineup in live action, under the bright lights of the Big Dome.

Gilas will begin closed-door Monday practices starting July 7, ramping up preparations after wrapping up the recent PBA season. While head coach Tim Cone has yet to reveal the full lineup for the tune-up, sources suggest it will include a mix of veterans and young guns—all eager to make their mark before the Asia Cup tips off on August 5, where the Nationals will face New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Iraq in Group D.

The Macau Black Bears, a regular fixture in the ASEAN basketball circuit, are expected to bring grit and tempo to the matchup. Known for their fast-paced offense and aggressive perimeter shooting, the Bears will test Gilas’ defensive structure and adaptability—just the kind of challenge Cone wants before the team dives into continental competition.

“This tune-up is important not just for conditioning, but for evaluating combinations and roles,” said a team insider. “It’s also a way to rally support from Filipino fans before we fly out.”

The stakes are high. After a turbulent FIBA campaign last year, Gilas is on a redemption arc—aiming to reclaim regional dominance and silence critics. With Asia Cup action looming and the region’s top teams sharpening their own swords, every possession, every defensive stop, and every rotation matters.

Tickets for the game are expected to go fast, with the Philippine basketball faithful hungry to see the national squad back in action. The July 28 showdown will serve as both a trial run and a celebration—of national pride, of basketball culture, and of the promise of something bigger in the weeks ahead.

So mark the date: Gilas Pilipinas vs. Macau Black Bears. July 28. Smart Araneta Coliseum. One night. One flag. One heartbeat.