Gilas U18 to Test Skills in Preseason Cup

Gilas Pilipinas U18 will kick off its preparations for the upcoming 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, set to begin on May 17.

The Philippine national youth team is stepping up with essential game experience ahead of its upcoming campaign in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in Krabi, Thailand.

“We’re honored to welcome the national team to this premier preseason league,” said Virgil Villavicencio, league chairman. “This is our way of supporting the Gilas Youth program by providing them with valuable competition against stronger and more seasoned collegiate teams, adding an exciting edge to this year’s event.”

The Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup holds full membership under the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), with Villavicencio being a longstanding contributor to the federation’s leadership.

Under head coach Juno Sauler, the Gilas Youth team will showcase some of the country's top young basketball prospects, including Chog Moral, Prince Carino, Shaun Lucido, Lian Basa, and Andwele Cabanero, as they compete among the 18 teams in this year’s field.

The national youth squad will compete in the UAAP Group, where it will face formidable opponents such as defending preseason champions University of the Philippines, reigning UAAP champions La Salle, perennial contenders University of Santo Tomas, National University, as well as promising teams from Adamson and Ateneo. Notably, University of the East has opted out of this year’s tournament.

If Gilas U18 triumphs in the SEABA Qualifiers, the team will shift its focus to preparations for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Qatar, set for September.

This marks the first time since 2018 that a national team will participate in the prestigious preseason event, when the Gilas Cadets, coached by Jong Uichico, featured future stars like Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, Thirdy Ravena, Kobe Paras, and Robert Bolick.