The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is keeping expectations low but remains confident that Gilas Pilipinas will have a legitimate shot at defending its title in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

SBP executive director Erika Dy said they have already mapped out an intensive buildup for Gilas Pilipinas that will kick off after the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

She said Gilas’ road to its Asian Games title defense begins immediately after its crucial home games against Jordan and Iran at the Mall of Asia Arena on 28 and 30 August.

From there, Gilas flies to South Korea for a pair of tune-up matches on 4 and 6 September before heading straight to Japan for the Asian Games that will tip off on 10 September at the Aichi International Arena.

“One, it’s a wealth of development that comes after the window because we need to do added preparation,” Dy said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“Obviously, the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) is a big help. Again, it is pausing its tournament for at least a month. I believe 14 August is its last playing day. So, from 15 August until 4 October, players will be released. It’s a great development for the Gilas program. We are very thankful to the PBA for that.”

The Filipinos will have a hard time defending the title they won in the tournament’s 19th edition in Hangzhou in 2023. For one, Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu will not be able to make it due to their commitments in the Japan B.League as their mother clubs — the Levanga Hokkaido and the Gumma Crane Thunders, respectively — are set to see action in the B.League Manila Games on 9 and 10 September.

But Dy stressed that there are more than enough players for head coach Tim Cone to choose from as they aim to form the best squad available.

“In terms of the lineup, when it comes to multisport events, we have what we call a long list and a short list. So, the long list that we submitted has more than 30 names. The final roster will be 12,” Dy said, adding that there are some players like Sedrick Barefield and Brandon Bates who were included in the long list despite their ineligibility in International Basketball Federation competitions.

“But of course, we don’t want to say who the final roster is yet because we still don’t know who will be on the opponents’ rosters yet.”

In a separate interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Dy said Korean Basketball League stars Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao have already confirmed their availability for the Asian Games.

“Actually, this morning, or rather yesterday, I got the letter from the KBL. They will still play,” Dy said.

Gilas will face powerhouse teams looking to knock the crown off its head with South Korea, China, Jordan, and host Japan set to field their best squads.

Dy said naturalized center Justin Brownlee will remain as the cornerstone of Gilas after sitting out against Australia in the third window of the qualifiers recently due to injury, while Bennie Boatwright’s availability depends on the completion of his Philippine citizenship process.

“Justin is obviously still the mainstay of the team,” Dy said.

“With regards to Bennie Boatwright, the legislative process for his naturalization has already been completed, but the process itself has not yet been finalized. It still needs to be signed by the President or lapse into law before we can proceed with the passport.”