For a change, Gilas Pilipinas will have the luxury of time — and, hopefully, a complete unit — when it prepares for a major international competition.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy told Daily Tribune that Gilas Pilipinas will start training on 15 February — at least a week before facing lightweight Hong Kong in the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on 22 February.

No less than newly-appointed coach Tim Cone will preside over the training camp that is expected to be participated by the players from the Philippine Basketball Association, Japan B. League and University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Dy said Japan-based stars like Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Kai Sotto and Carl Tamayo will start trickling in around 12 February while PBA players Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo and June Mar Fajardo as well as De La Salle University star Kevin Quiambao are also expected to show up to shift their preparation to a higher gear.

The only potential setback, however, is the schedule of the ongoing Commissioner's Cup finals in the PBA and the fate of naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

Should the best-of-seven finals between San Miguel Beer and Magnolia go the distance, Game 7 will be held on 16 February, barring CJ Perez and Fajardo from actively participating in scrimmages on the first day of training.

On the other hand, the verdict on Brownlee's possible suspension is not yet out and the SBP is keeping its fingers crossed, hoping that he gets the green light to play before the submission of final roster for the tourney that dangles slots in the FIBA Asia Cup that will be held in Lebanon next year.

Still, having an early training is a step to the right direction for the Gilas Pilipinas squad that is looking to sustain the momentum sparked by its historic conquest in the 19th Asian Games last year.

"We start on 15 February," Dy said in a short message, adding that the Japan-based players will also be in attendance, giving Cone the luxury of training with complete personnel.

"Yes, they will (be here). Around 12 February, I think."