Gilas Pilipinas begins its title defense at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the Philippines drawn into Group C alongside Bahrain, Kazakhstan and China. The Japan Games will also feature new and returning events across the program, including cricket at the 2026 Asian Games.
The defending Asian Games champions open their campaign against Bahrain on September 11, face Kazakhstan on September 12, and close the group stage against China on September 14. This page will be updated with the latest Gilas Pilipinas roster news, schedule, results and qualification scenarios throughout the tournament.
Gilas Pilipinas Asian Games 2026 schedule
All three games are part of Group C. Exact tip-off times and the knockout-stage schedule will be added once officially confirmed.
Group C fixtures
- September 11: Philippines vs Bahrain
- September 12: Philippines vs Kazakhstan
- September 14: Philippines vs China
Gilas Pilipinas group at the 2026 Asian Games
The Philippines was drawn into Group C with China, Bahrain and Kazakhstan. The matchup against China is expected to be the headline game of the group stage, while every result will matter in determining the Philippines’ path through the tournament.
- Philippines
- China
- Bahrain
- Kazakhstan
Gilas Pilipinas 2026 Asian Games roster
The final tournament roster has not yet been officially confirmed. Gilas is preparing with a pool that includes Robert Bolick, Adrian Nocum, Don Trollano, Brandon Bates, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, RJ Abarrientos, Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Sedrick Barefield, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Zavier Lucero.
Head coach Tim Cone has also said Justin Brownlee remains a possibility, although his participation has not been finalized. Jason Perkins has been ruled out because of injury, while Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu are expected to miss the Asian Games because of club commitments.
M88 Sports will update this section as soon as the official final roster is announced.
Gilas tune-up games before the Asian Games
Before traveling to Japan, Gilas is scheduled to play two exhibition games against South Korea in Suwon. The tune-ups are part of the team’s final preparations before its September 11 opener against Bahrain.
The Asian Games squad has been working separately from the group used during the recent FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers window, with Tim Cone and the national-team coaching staff managing both programs.
Can Gilas defend its Asian Games gold medal?
The Philippines enters the tournament as the defending men’s basketball champion after winning gold at the previous Asian Games. The 2026 campaign, however, comes with a significantly changed roster and several key absences. For broader regional context on Philippine and Southeast Asian medal competition, see our SEA Games 33 final medal table.
Strong performances against Bahrain and Kazakhstan could put Gilas in a favorable position before the marquee meeting with China on September 14.
Latest Gilas Pilipinas Asian Games 2026 updates
This article serves as Sports’ live hub for Gilas Pilipinas at the 2026 Asian Games. Check back for:
- Official final 12-man roster
- Confirmed game times and broadcast information
- Group-stage scores and results
- Updated standings
- Knockout-round schedule
- Injury and lineup updates
Last updated: September 3, 2026.
Gilas Pilipinas Asian Games 2026 FAQ
Gilas Pilipinas opens Group C against Bahrain on September 11, faces Kazakhstan on September 12, and plays China on September 14. Exact tip-off times will be added once officially confirmed.
The Philippines is in Group C alongside China, Bahrain and Kazakhstan.
The final tournament roster has not yet been officially confirmed. M88 Sports will update the article once the official 12-man lineup is announced.
Justin Brownlee remains a possibility, but his participation has not yet been finalized.
The Philippines enters the tournament as defending champion, but the 2026 campaign comes with a changed roster and several key absences. Strong results in the group stage will be important in shaping its knockout-round path.
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