For the first time in over six decades, the Philippines marches into the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games proudly wearing the men’s basketball crown on its head.

Winning the gold medal after a long drought is one thing; keeping it in its trophy cabinet is another.

Gilas Pilipinas’ road to back-to-back top podium finish in the Asiad will be a steep climb with the likes of host Japan, last edition’s runner-up Jordan and, of course, Asian giant China all hot to knock the Filipinos off the throne.

Gilas coach Tim Cone has at least a month of preparation to whip his men into the same form, which in the pandemic-delayed 2022 Hangzhou Asiad three years ago, performed a miracle by ending a 61-year wait for the mint.

However, Gilas’ title defense in the competition, which will run from 10 September and will conclude the day after the formal Asiad opening ceremonies on 19 September, will be a challenging one at the bat.

Gilas’ naturalized player Justin Brownlee is still recovering from multiple injuries, as well as veterans Scottie Thompson and Calvin Oftana.

There will also be key absences after young guns Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu begged off the quadrennial meet due to their commitments with their clubs in the Japan B.League.

But Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has taken measures to ensure that Cone will still have a wealth of talent to choose from by expanding Gilas’ pool to 30.

Although newly crowned National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Jordan Clarkson is not included in the list, the SBP is taking advantage of the Asiad’s more lenient eligibility rules by adding names that are usually restricted in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments.

“In that 30-plus list, our Gilas mainstays are there. (But) we were able to add players who are not necessarily eligible for FIBA competitions as local. So, looking at the long list, we have (Brandon) Bates and (Sedrick) Barefield. We have those names that we don’t usually see in (FIBA) windows,” SBP executive director Erika Dy said.

SBP is also keeping its fingers crossed that Bennie Boatwright will complete his naturalization in time to suit up for the Asian Games.

In terms of preparation, the federation has already mapped out a calendar after Gilas’ 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifier fourth window hosting against Jordan and Iran on 28 and 30 August at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Dy said Gilas will leave for South Korea on 3 September for a couple of friendlies against the Korean national team on 4 and 6 September.

“The men’s basketball competition in the Asian Games will start earlier than the opening ceremony of the Games itself. So, it will run from September 10 to 20. So, the team will be together for at least over a month,” Dy said.

As its contribution to the national team, the Philippine Basketball Association has adjusted its ongoing Season 50 Governors’ Cup with a halt from 15 August to 6 October, proving that it is ready to sacrifice for the sake of national glory.