Gilas Pilipinas is looking beyond its campaign in the third window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers as it plunges into a grueling training camp in Doha.

For head coach Tim Cone, their trip to the Qatari capital for a series of friendlies — including a couple of games that are less than 24 hours in between — against Middle Eastern squads will be a simulation of what’s to come in the Asia Cup proper.

Factors like the blistering weather, the style of play of potential rivals and navigating a hectic schedule will be valuable in Gilas’ build-up for the FIBA Asia Cup main draw in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 5 to 17 August

“We will be playing in the Middle East in that kind of weather. These are things that are going to help us prepare,” Cone said.

The bulk of the Gilas delegation departed for Doha Thursday morning following a whirlwind two-day training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.

Overseas-based players Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao hooked up with the squad after flying in from Korea while Chris Newsome traveled directly to Doha following his stint with Meralco in the East Asia Super League in Taiwan.

In Qatar, the Filipinos will participate in the 2nd Doha Invitational Cup running from 14 to 16 February against the host team, Egypt and Lebanon.

Gilas battles Qatar at 1:30 a.m. on 15 February then clashes with Lebanon at 11 p.m. on the same day before facing Egypt at 1:30 a.m. on 17 February — all in Philippine time.

“Last year, we didn’t play a Middle Eastern team. We played European, we played South American, we played in Asia, but we haven’t played Middle Eastern,” Cone said.

“This will again be part of our preparation. We won’t have that chance to do that before we play in FIBA. I’m sure we are going to be playing some Middle Eastern teams during the FIBA Asia.”

Cone plans to preserve some of his key players including naturalized player Justine Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu to keep them fresh and ready for the third window matches against Chinese-Taipei on 20 February and a much-anticipated rematch with the Tall Blacks in New Zealand three days after.

Although already assured of a seat in the main draw after sweeping the first two windows for a 4-0 win-loss record in Group B, Gilas is looking to improve as a team with a good performance in the final qualifying leg.

“The whole idea is to continue to get to know each other. We have such small windows to be together that each window is absolutely crucial to our chemistry and our ability to compete at a high level together,” the decorated mentor added.

“So, all of these games are so important to us. The friendlies are going to be important for us, learning how to go on the road and beat Taiwan and New Zealand.

Also joining the Doha trip are Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Dwight Ramos, Jamie Malonzo, Troy Rosario, Mason Amos and CJ Perez.

Assisting Cone on the bench are deputies Richard Del Rosario, Jong Uichico and Sean Chambers.

Gilas team manager and program director Alfrancis Chua and Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial are also on the trip.