The appointment of Cone by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas was officially announced on Monday, marking the beginning of a new era for the basketball program, with its first test scheduled for next month (FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers). 

After winning bronze in the 1998 Asian Games with his Centennial Team, claiming gold in the 2019 Asian Games, and conquering the Asian Games last year by winning gold, this is the first chance that Tim Cone will handle the Gilas Pilipinas. 

Coach Tim Cone proved himself ready for the big stage with his performance at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games by winning gold. Cone is a chip in choice in choosing the next coach for the Gilas with his various accomplishments, whether in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) or in an international setting, as Al Panlilo, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president, said: 

“Coach Tim accomplished what has not been done in decades with only a few weeks to prepare and multiple challenges in terms of personnel. So we’re excited to see what he can accomplish with a long-term program in place, especially if such program is supported by all basketball stakeholders.” 

Coach Tim Cone picked his roster from the players playing locally in the PBA, oversees, and even straight out of the UAAP, namely:

*Justin Brownlee is set to occupy the team’s naturalized player position, but his eligibility in upcoming tournaments is subject to FIBA’s decision.