Gilas Pilipinas takes the first step towards the FIBA Asia Cup and the Paris Olympics when it opens its training camp today at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.

Newly-installed Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy told Daily Tribune that the first few training sessions will be held behind closed doors with multi-titled coach Tim Cone presiding over the workouts as full-time head coach.

The mission will not be easy.

The Filipinos will get their baptism of fire in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. They will face Hong Kong on 22 February at the Tsuen Wan Stadium in Hong Kong before facing Chinese Taipei on 25 February at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

They will also prepare for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that will be held in Riga, Latvia from 2 to 7 July.

Dy said Cone opted to kick off their training behind closed doors. He, however, will again open their training to the public on Monday to give fans a chance to wish the players best of luck as they embark on yet another crucial mission.

"They will start (training camp) at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Inspire Sports Academy. This will be held behind closed doors, but we will have a press conference and open practice on the 19th," wrote Dy in a text message.

Shortly after getting appointed as full-time head coach, Cone hit the ground running by naming his full roster.

Leading the squad is naturalized player Justin Brownlee together with Philippine Basketball Association stars June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo, Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome and Calvin Oftana.

Japan-based standouts in Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo and AJ Edu as well as University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao of De La Salle University were also included in the squad that aims to lead the country back to the Summer Games for the first time since 1972 in Munich.

Cone, however, admitted that time is not on their side.