Gilas Pilipinas has one more chance to get things right before the 2026 Asian Games.
After suffering a painful 81–55 loss to South Korea in its first tune-up game, the Philippines returns to the court today, September 6, for a rematch against the Koreans at the Suwon KT Sonicboom Arena.
Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM Philippine Time.
And while this is still officially an exhibition game, it feels considerably more important than your typical friendly.
This is the final competitive tune-up for Tim Cone’s new-look Gilas squad before the team leaves South Korea and flies to Japan for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The Philippines has only 11 confirmed players.
Justin Brownlee still hasn’t received the medical clearance needed to join the team.
Kai Sotto has now officially been ruled out.
Most of the players who just helped Gilas beat Jordan and Iran in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers aren’t part of this Asian Games squad.
And the Philippines begins its title defense against Bahrain on September 11.
So there isn’t much time left.
Today’s game isn’t necessarily about getting revenge on South Korea.
It’s about seeing whether Gilas learned anything from that 26-point loss two days ago.
Can the perimeter defense improve?
Can Robert Bolick become more involved?
Can Justine Baltazar continue his strong play?
Can the offense find a better rhythm?
And most importantly, can this almost completely new national team begin looking like an actual team before the Asian Games start?
Here is the latest Gilas Pilipinas update and everything you need to know before today’s South Korea rematch.
Content
Gilas Pilipinas vs South Korea Rematch: Game Details
Gilas and South Korea will meet for the second time in three days as part of the Hana Invitational in Suwon.
Game details
| Game | Gilas Pilipinas vs South Korea |
|---|---|
| Date | September 6, 2026 |
| Time | 1:00 PM Philippine Time |
| Venue | Suwon KT Sonicboom Arena |
| Location | Suwon, South Korea |
| Event | Hana Invitational |
| Purpose | Asian Games tune-up |
Today’s matchup is the Philippines’ final exhibition before traveling to Japan.
That makes this one particularly useful for Tim Cone.
The score matters.
But the response matters more.
What Happened in the First Gilas vs Korea Game?
It wasn’t pretty.
South Korea defeated Gilas:
81–55.
The Koreans led from start to finish.
Gilas stayed reasonably close during the opening quarter, trailing 24–18.
At halftime:
South Korea 45, Philippines 33.
Still manageable.
Then Korea began pulling away.
The Philippines struggled to generate offense and never seriously threatened again.
By the final buzzer, the margin had ballooned to 26 points.
For a team preparing to defend an Asian Games championship, it was a reminder that this new lineup still has plenty of work to do.
Justine Baltazar Was Gilas’ Biggest Positive
The clearest bright spot was Justine Baltazar.
Baltazar led the Philippines with:
- 15 points
- 10 rebounds
Adrian Nocum added 10 points.
Robert Bolick, one of the players expected to shoulder significant offensive responsibility in Japan, was limited to only two points.
Baltazar’s performance is encouraging because Gilas doesn’t have the massive frontcourt it used during the recent FIBA qualifiers.
There is no Kai Sotto.
There is no AJ Edu.
June Mar Fajardo has retired from national-team duty.
Carl Tamayo isn’t available for this roster.
So Gilas needs players such as Baltazar, Justin Arana, Brandon Bates, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Zavier Lucero to compensate.
Baltazar showed against Korea that he can help.
Now the question becomes consistency.
Today’s Rematch Is About Adjustment
There’s a reason Tim Cone wanted these games.
The Philippines could have scheduled weaker opponents.
It could have played exhibitions where the team looked great, scored 100 points and everyone went to Japan feeling confident.
But would that actually help?
Probably not.
South Korea exposed problems.
That’s useful.
Now we get to see whether Gilas can respond.
International tournaments happen quickly.
Sometimes you play badly and have only one day to fix it.
That’s essentially what this Korea trip is teaching the Philippines before the Asian Games even begins.
Tim Cone Is Treating Korea as a Dress Rehearsal
Cone hasn’t sounded panicked by the first result.
Instead, he has viewed these games as part of the process of preparing an inexperienced international lineup.
The Gilas Asian Games team was assembled separately from the squad that played Jordan and Iran because several overseas-based Filipinos are unavailable during the continental tournament.
Only RJ Abarrientos, Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar carried over from the recent World Cup qualifying pool into this Asian Games group.
So this isn’t the same team trying to regain its rhythm.
It’s basically a new team trying to discover one.
That takes time.
Unfortunately, Gilas doesn’t have much of it.
Robert Bolick Needs to Get Going
One of the most obvious things to watch today is Robert Bolick.
Bolick scored only two points in Game 1.
That’s probably not going to be enough once the Asian Games begins.
This version of Gilas doesn’t have many of the usual offensive creators.
No Dwight Ramos.
No Kevin Quiambao.
No Justin Brownlee at the moment.
No Kai Sotto demanding attention in the paint.
That means Bolick could become one of the most important scorers on the roster.
He can shoot.
He can create.
He can operate out of pick-and-roll.
He can attack late in the shot clock.
He’s also one of the more experienced players on this team.
ABS-CBN reported that Bolick has embraced being one of the veteran or “kuya” figures in this Asian Games group.
That leadership now needs to show on the court.
Adrian Nocum Is Making His Case
Another player worth watching closely is Adrian Nocum.
Nocum scored 10 points in the first South Korea game.
Even before the Korean trip, he had been receiving positive attention during Gilas preparations.
This tournament could become a major opportunity for him.
International basketball often creates unexpected national-team stars.
A player gets a chance.
He brings energy.
He makes a few shots.
Suddenly he’s playing meaningful minutes in a quarterfinal.
Nocum’s ability to attack, run and pressure defenses makes him an interesting fit for the faster style Cone wants from this roster.
If he follows his first-game performance with another strong showing today, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn significant minutes in Japan.
Gilas Needs Better Perimeter Defense
This might be the single biggest adjustment.
South Korea’s guards and shooters caused serious problems in Game 1.
Gilas cannot afford to repeatedly lose shooters around screens or arrive late on closeouts.
This becomes even more important because the Philippines doesn’t have the same rim protection it enjoyed during the FIBA window.
When Kai Sotto and AJ Edu are behind you, perimeter defenders can occasionally recover from mistakes.
Without them?
Those mistakes become much more dangerous.
A smaller Gilas lineup needs to be active.
Communicate.
Switch intelligently.
Fight through screens.
Close out without getting blown by.
Against teams like China, one poor defensive stretch could decide the game.
Today’s Korea rematch is the perfect place to work on it.
Gilas Also Needs More Than 55 Points
This is obvious.
Fifty-five points isn’t going to win many major international basketball games.
The Philippines wants to play faster in the Asian Games.
GMA reported that Cone believes this team can be quicker and highly motivated despite having a different composition from his regular FIBA squad.
But speed has to lead somewhere.
Fast breaks.
Open three-pointers.
Early attacks.
Paint touches.
Free throws.
Drive-and-kick opportunities.
Easy baskets before the defense becomes organized.
Playing quickly and then taking a difficult shot doesn’t help.
Against Korea, Gilas has to create better offense—not simply faster offense.
Then There’s the Justin Brownlee Question
And this remains the biggest unresolved storyline surrounding the team.
Justin Brownlee is still not officially part of the active Asian Games group.
Gilas traveled to Korea with 11 players while keeping one roster position open for the naturalized star, who has been recovering from injuries.
The plan remains simple:
If Brownlee gets medical clearance and can play, Gilas wants him.
If not, the Philippines may enter the Asian Games with only 11 players.
That’s how important Brownlee is to Tim Cone.
Why Brownlee Would Change Everything
The first Korea game demonstrated exactly why the Philippines would love to have him back.
When the offense stalls, Brownlee can create.
When a possession breaks down, Brownlee can make something happen.
When the team needs a rebound, he helps.
When Gilas needs a bigger defender, he can switch positions.
And when the game reaches the final minutes?
He has been there many times before.
That experience cannot easily be replaced.
Remember What Brownlee Did in 2023
The Philippines probably doesn’t win its 2023 Asian Games gold medal without Justin Brownlee.
The semifinal against China remains one of the greatest Gilas comebacks of the modern era.
China led by 20 points.
The Philippines looked finished.
Brownlee caught fire.
Gilas kept coming.
Final score:
Philippines 77, China 76.
Then the Philippines beat Jordan, 70–60, in the gold-medal game.
After waiting 61 years, Filipino basketball was back on top of the Asian Games.
Now Gilas is trying to defend that championship.
Of course Tim Cone wants Brownlee there.
But Gilas Cannot Build Its Entire Plan Around Waiting
This is the other side of the story.
Brownlee may arrive.
He may not.
The 11 players already with the team cannot spend every practice thinking:
“Everything will be okay if Justin gets here.”
They have to prepare as if he won’t.
If Brownlee appears later?
Great.
He makes the team better.
But Gilas needs an identity without him first.
Today’s Korea game is part of creating that identity.
Kai Sotto Is Officially Out
We also finally have a clear answer on Kai Sotto.
He is not playing in the 2026 Asian Games.
Earlier in the week, Cone had left the possibility slightly open.
That created speculation after Sotto’s reported U.S. NCAA plan encountered problems.
But Cone has now shut down the possibility of a last-minute addition.
Asked about Kai joining the Asian Games roster, Cone’s response was direct:
“No chance. He has other plans.”
So Filipino fans should not expect a surprise Kai appearance in Japan.
That’s a Big Loss After What Kai Just Did for Gilas
Sotto was arguably the biggest story of the recent World Cup qualifying window.
After a long absence from Gilas because of his ACL injury and recovery, he returned and immediately delivered.
Against Jordan:
- 18 points
- 14 rebounds
Against Iran:
- 13 points
- 16 rebounds
That’s an average of:
15.5 points and 15 rebounds.
The Philippines won both games.
Kai’s size completely changed the way Gilas defended.
It also gave the team a huge target around the rim.
There isn’t another player on the Asian Games roster who can simply replace that.
So Cone has to design a different team.
Why This Gilas Has to Play Differently
Think about the contrast.
FIBA Gilas
Kai Sotto
AJ Edu
June Mar Fajardo
Dwight Ramos
Kevin Quiambao
CJ Perez
Scottie Thompson
That team had size.
Defense.
Rim protection.
Experienced international players.
Asian Games Gilas
Robert Bolick
Adrian Nocum
RJ Abarrientos
Sedrick Barefield
Jerrick Ahanmisi
Don Trollano
Zavier Lucero
Justine Baltazar
Justin Arana
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser
Brandon Bates
And possibly Brownlee.
It’s not necessarily worse in every area.
It’s simply different.
This team has more guards and needs to lean heavily into speed, shooting and aggressive play.
Trying to copy the FIBA team’s style without the same personnel wouldn’t make sense.
Current Gilas Pilipinas Asian Games Roster
The 11 players currently with the team are:
Guards / wings
- Robert Bolick
- RJ Abarrientos
- Adrian Nocum
- Sedrick Barefield
- Jerrick Ahanmisi
- Don Trollano
Forwards / big men
- Zavier Lucero
- Justine Baltazar
- Justin Arana
- Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser
- Brandon Bates
Justin Brownlee remains the potential 12th player pending availability and medical clearance.
Why Geo Chiu Isn’t Being Added
Another question some fans have asked is:
Why not just add another big man?
Geo Chiu has spent time helping Gilas.
But the problem is tournament eligibility.
He wasn’t included in the original Asian Games long list, so he cannot simply be inserted into the final lineup.
That limits Cone’s options even further.
Between Kai being out and Brownlee still uncertain, the current 11-man group really may be the team Gilas takes into competition.
Gilas Leaves for Japan After the Korea Game
There is essentially no recovery period left in the schedule.
After today’s tune-up, Gilas is expected to move on to Japan for the Asian Games.
Then the countdown begins.
The first Philippine group-stage game is only five days away.
No more experiments once that starts.
No more “it’s just a tune-up.”
Every possession begins affecting medal chances.
Gilas Pilipinas Asian Games 2026 Schedule
The official Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games schedule places the Philippines in Group C alongside:
- China
- Bahrain
- Kazakhstan
Here is the Philippine schedule:
| Date | Match | Japan Time | Philippine Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 11 | Philippines vs Bahrain | 1:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| Sept. 12 | Kazakhstan vs Philippines | 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Sept. 14 | China vs Philippines | 1:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
The men’s quarterfinals are scheduled for September 16, followed by the semifinals on September 18 and the medal games on September 20.
Bahrain Comes First
Everyone wants to talk about China.
Understandably.
But Gilas cannot start thinking about September 14 before September 11.
Bahrain is the first assignment.
And considering how little time this Philippine roster has spent together, the opener will be important.
Gilas needs to begin well.
Build confidence.
Establish rotations.
Get Bolick comfortable.
Get Baltazar involved.
Find out who the reliable bench players are.
If Brownlee isn’t available, everyone needs to understand his responsibilities from the opening tip.
Then Kazakhstan on the Very Next Day
This is where the tournament schedule becomes challenging.
Philippines vs Bahrain:
September 11.
Kazakhstan vs Philippines:
September 12.
Back-to-back games.
That’s not much recovery time.
An 11-man roster makes that even more interesting.
Cone may prefer a shorter rotation in competitive games, but he also has to manage fatigue.
If the Bahrain game becomes difficult and his main players have to log heavy minutes, they have to return to the floor the next day.
That’s where roster depth could become important.
And Then China
This is the game everyone will be waiting for.
September 14
China vs Philippines
It is the rematch.
China certainly hasn’t forgotten what happened in Hangzhou.
Neither have Filipino fans.
But this won’t be the same Philippine lineup.
And that actually makes the matchup more interesting.
The 2023 Gilas team had Brownlee playing some of the best basketball of his national-team career.
This 2026 team may have to beat China with completely different weapons.
Bolick.
Nocum.
Abarrientos.
Baltazar.
Lucero.
Barefield.
Perhaps Brownlee.
Perhaps not.
The players who create the big moments this time may be entirely different.
Five Things to Watch in Today’s Korea Rematch
1. Robert Bolick’s offense
Two points in Game 1 isn’t enough.
Expect Gilas to look for ways to get Bolick involved early.
2. Perimeter defense
Korea’s shooting exposed the Philippines badly.
Improved communication would be a very encouraging sign.
3. Justine Baltazar
Was the 15-point, 10-rebound performance the beginning of a major Asian Games role?
We’ll learn more today.
4. Adrian Nocum
Another strong performance could force Cone to give him important tournament minutes.
5. The closing unit
Forget the starting lineup for a moment.
Who does Cone trust in the final five minutes of a close game?
That’s probably more important.
What Would Count as a Successful Rematch?
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a win.
Of course, beating South Korea would be a great confidence boost.
But imagine Gilas loses by five while showing:
better defense,
better offensive execution,
more communication,
more balanced scoring,
and improved chemistry.
That might actually be more valuable than an ugly one-point exhibition win.
The goal is preparation.
The real tournament starts September 11.
Can This Gilas Team Still Win Asian Games Gold?
Yes.
But the challenge is obvious.
The Philippines is entering with an almost completely reconstructed roster.
It is missing several top overseas-based players.
Kai Sotto is out.
Justin Brownlee is uncertain.
Only three players from the recent FIBA squad carried over.
And the team just lost by 26 points to South Korea.
Those are real concerns.
But there is another side.
This team has talented professional basketball players.
It has experienced guards.
It has shooting.
It has athleticism.
It has a coach who already navigated an incredibly difficult Asian Games preparation in 2023 and somehow came home with gold.
That doesn’t mean history will repeat itself.
But it means one tune-up loss should not end the conversation.
Remember How Messy 2023 Was
This is worth remembering.
The road to the 2023 Asian Games gold wasn’t smooth.
There were roster problems.
Eligibility problems.
Limited preparation.
A difficult group stage.
Gilas even lost to Jordan before eventually beating the same team in the championship game.
Then came the unbelievable comeback against China.
Nothing about that title run was simple.
That’s why Tim Cone probably isn’t losing sleep over one exhibition loss.
He understands that teams can grow during tournaments.
The question is whether this version grows quickly enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Gilas Pilipinas vs South Korea today?
The second tune-up game is scheduled for September 6, 2026.
What time is Gilas vs South Korea?
Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM Philippine Time.
What happened in the first Gilas vs Korea game?
South Korea defeated the Philippines, 81–55, on September 4.
Who led Gilas in the first Korea game?
Justine Baltazar scored 15 points, while Adrian Nocum added 10.
How many points did Robert Bolick score?
Bolick was held to two points in the first game.
Is Kai Sotto playing in the Asian Games?
No.
Tim Cone has now confirmed that Sotto will not be part of the Philippines’ Asian Games title defense.
Is Justin Brownlee playing in the Asian Games?
His status remains uncertain.
Gilas has kept its final roster position open in case Brownlee receives medical clearance and becomes available.
How many confirmed Gilas players are there?
The Philippines currently has 11 players in its Asian Games group, with one potential roster opening left for Brownlee.
When does Gilas play Bahrain?
The Philippines opens against Bahrain on September 11 at 12:00 noon Philippine Time.
When is Gilas vs Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan and the Philippines play September 12 at 6:00 PM Philippine Time.
When is Gilas vs China?
China vs Philippines is scheduled for September 14 at 12:00 noon Philippine Time.
Is Gilas the defending Asian Games champion?
Yes.
The Philippines won the 2023 men’s basketball gold medal, ending a 61-year championship drought.
Final Thoughts
Today is one of those games where the final score won’t tell us everything.
Of course Gilas wants to win.
Nobody enjoys losing by 26 points.
And beating South Korea before leaving for Japan would be a nice confidence boost.
But I’m more interested in something else.
Progress.
Can Robert Bolick bounce back?
Can Justine Baltazar build on his double-double?
Can Adrian Nocum continue emerging?
Can Gilas defend Korean shooters better?
Can the offense look more organized?
Can Tim Cone identify the combinations he’ll actually trust when Bahrain, Kazakhstan and China are on the other side?
Those answers matter.
Because after today, the preparation phase is basically over.
Kai Sotto isn’t coming.
Justin Brownlee may or may not arrive.
The roster is what it is.
And the Philippines has a championship to defend.
That might sound like a difficult situation.
It is.
But anyone who watched Gilas in 2023 knows that chaos doesn’t automatically mean failure.
That team entered the Asian Games surrounded by questions and somehow left China carrying the gold medal.
Now Tim Cone is trying to do something similar with an almost completely different group.
Robert Bolick.
Adrian Nocum.
RJ Abarrientos.
Justine Baltazar.
Justin Arana.
Zavier Lucero.
Sedrick Barefield.
Jerrick Ahanmisi.
Don Trollano.
Brandon Bates.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
Maybe Justin Brownlee.
Those are the players being asked to defend what Gilas accomplished three years ago.
The first South Korea game showed how difficult that challenge could be.
Today’s rematch gives us our first chance to see how quickly this new Gilas Pilipinas can respond.
And after that?
Japan.
Bahrain.
Kazakhstan.
China.
Then hopefully, another run at Asian Games gold.
The dress rehearsal is almost over.
Now Gilas has to get ready for the real thing.
