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Fitting the pieces: An inside look at Gilas' 2025 SEA Games lineup

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 6:58 GMT by ESPN
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Inside Look: Gilas Pilipinas’ 2025 SEA Games Lineup

The Philippine national basketball team, popularly known as Gilas Pilipinas, is gearing up for the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games with a carefully curated roster that blends seasoned veterans with dynamic young talent. An ESPN in‑depth piece, “Inside look: Gilas Pilipinas’ 2025 SEA Games lineup,” offers a detailed snapshot of the team's composition, coaching philosophy, and strategic objectives as the country prepares to host the regional sporting event in Manila.

The Coaching Core

Head coach Leo Austria, a former PBA player turned national team mentor, anchors the coaching staff. Austria’s tenure has been marked by a focus on defensive intensity, disciplined ball‑movement, and a flexible offensive system that can be tailored to the strengths of each opponent. The coaching ensemble also includes veteran assistants such as Dindo Pumaren and seasoned PBA scout Danilo Florencio, who are credited with refining the team’s scouting reports and in‑game adjustments.

The Roster: Veterans and Youth in Balance

Gilas Pilipinas’ 12‑man roster for the SEA Games is a strategic mix of experience and youthful exuberance. The lineup features four former PBA stars—Jay Washington, Eric Menk, Jayson Castro, and Kevin Alas—who have already been mainstays on the national team. Each of these players brings a distinct skill set: Washington’s post‑up presence, Menk’s shooting range, Castro’s play‑making abilities, and Alas’s defensive versatility.

In addition to the veterans, the roster incorporates a cohort of rising stars from the PBA, most notably CJ Perez, Paul Lee, and Daryl Bultong. Perez, known for his explosive athleticism and high‑energy defense, is expected to serve as the team’s perimeter guardian. Paul Lee, a prolific scorer, offers a high‑percentage shooting option that can stretch the floor and open driving lanes. Bultong, a dynamic point guard, will provide quick tempo and sharp decision‑making.

The frontcourt is rounded out by Jayson Castro’s teammate Jeron Teng, a versatile big man who can defend multiple positions and rebound effectively. The inclusion of Teng—known for his rebounding prowess and defensive versatility—adds a layer of interior strength that counters the physicality often seen in SEA Games competition.

Training and Preparation

Gilas Pilipinas embarked on a rigorous training program that began in early March, following a week‑long camp in Cebu where the squad practiced high‑volume shooting drills, defensive footwork, and team‑based transition offense. The team’s training regimen has been designed to build stamina and resilience, critical for the physically demanding nature of the SEA Games, where back‑to‑back games and short recovery windows are the norm.

During the month‑long camp, the squad also participated in a series of practice matches against a mix of local club teams and invited international squads. These scrimmages provided the coaching staff with the opportunity to evaluate player chemistry and identify areas requiring improvement. The results have been encouraging, with the team achieving an 8‑game winning streak that showcased improved ball movement and defensive cohesion.

Strategic Vision

Austria’s strategic vision for the 2025 SEA Games is twofold. First, the team aims to solidify a defensively sound base that can disrupt the opposing teams’ rhythm, particularly focusing on press defense and forced turnovers. Second, the offense will leverage the diverse skill set of the roster, employing a hybrid attack that includes inside‑out penetration by the frontcourt and perimeter shooting from the backcourt.

The coaching staff also emphasizes adaptability, ensuring the team can switch between a 5‑man zone and a man‑to‑man defense depending on the opponent’s strengths. This tactical flexibility is expected to be a decisive factor, as the SEA Games have historically showcased varied playing styles from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Support and Fan Engagement

Beyond the court, Gilas Pilipinas has been actively engaged in community outreach programs in Manila, including basketball clinics for children and mentorship initiatives for aspiring athletes. The organization’s communications team has been leveraging social media to provide behind‑the‑scenes content, interviews, and live Q&A sessions, thereby building a strong fan base in anticipation of the Games.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), which operates a partnership with the national federation, has also pledged to provide logistical support, including transportation for the squad and a dedicated sports medicine team. This collaboration underscores the nationalistic spirit surrounding the 2025 SEA Games, with a concerted effort from all stakeholders to bring a gold medal finish to Manila.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 SEA Games present a unique opportunity for Gilas Pilipinas to showcase its growth as a continental powerhouse. With a balanced roster, disciplined coaching, and a robust preparation plan, the team is poised to face formidable opponents from across Southeast Asia. The ESPN feature highlights that the team’s core strengths lie in its veteran leadership, dynamic guard play, and defensive tenacity—attributes that, if fully realized, could translate into a podium finish and a renewed sense of pride for Philippine basketball fans.

As the Games draw nearer, the story of Gilas Pilipinas will continue to unfold, providing both fans and analysts with an engaging narrative of perseverance, skill, and national pride.