GILAS Pilipinas coach Tim Cone can’t hide his excitement with the chance of handling a myriad of talented and skilled big men for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers late this November. Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown, AJ Edu and Mile Phillips were all named to the Gilas Pilipinas final 12 that will be playing against Syria on Nov. 27 in Seremban, Malaysia. “It’s no secret that I like big lineups, so I’m excited to work with this one,” Cone told The Manila Times. The 7-3 Sotto is back in harness after missing seven games with his team Altira Chiba in the Japan B.League. Sotto averaged 15.5 points, 15 rebounds and over 3 assists in the Manila window of the qualifiers last August where the Philippines pulled off crucial victories against Jordan and Iran. Adding size and rebounding is Millora-Brown, while Phillips, the 6-8 former De La Salle University standout, brings athleticism and energy to the team. Millora-Brown and Phillips missed the fourth window against Jordan and Iran. “We’ll see if we can make it work and be efficient,” added Cone, who also has the 6-10 Edu at his disposal. The entry of Bennie Boatwright as the team’s naturalized player gives Gilas Pilipinas the depth and outside shooting as the Philippines needed back-to-back victories to boost its bid to secure a FIBA World Cup spot for 2027 in Doha, Qatar. After Syria, the Philippines takes on perennial Asian powerhouse team Iran on Nov. 30. The Philippine team is expected to be in Kuala Lumpur for a brief preparation, with the 6-10 Boatwright arriving straight from China on the 23rd. Gilas Pilipinas enters the fifth window that will be held in Seremban, about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, with an even 4-4 record, to occupy fifth spot in Group E. Australia leads Group E with its immaculate 8-0 record, followed by New Zealand (6-2), while Iran and Jordan are tied for third to fourth spots at 5-3. The Boomers are already assured of a World Cup berth from the group, with the two next best squads expected to advance outright. The last Asian qualification slot will be contested by the best fourth-placed teams coming from Groups E and F.