Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone intends to limit the playing time of some of his stars as he hopes to keep them fresh for the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines – Don’t be surprised if some of Gilas Pilipinas’ key players see less action than usual in the Doha International Cup in Qatar.

Head coach Tim Cone said he intends to limit the playing time of naturalized star Justin Brownlee and big men June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu in the four-team tournament that also features the host country, Lebanon, and Egypt.

The national team arrived in Doha on Thursday, February 13.

Although the Filipinos went to Doha to prepare early for the FIBA Asia Cup in August, they still need to take care of business in the final window of the qualifiers as they tangle with New Zealand and Chinese Taipei on the road.

“We’re really planning some load management with Justin, we’re planning some load management with AJ Edu and also June Mar,” said Cone.

“People are going to be wondering why they are not on the floor all the time, it’s because we’re trying to keep them fresh for Taiwan and New Zealand.”

Fajardo and Edu assume more responsibilities after Kai Sotto suffered a knee injury, with the 7-foot-3 big man expected to sit out for six months for a full recovery.

Meanwhile, Brownlee needs as much rest as possible as the rigors of the PBA playoffs await him once he is done with his national team duties.

Brownlee and the Philippines will face Qatar at 1:30 am on February 15, Lebanon at 11 pm on February 15, and Egypt at 1:30 am on February 17 (all in Manila time).

After their Doha trip, the Nationals will fly to Taipei City to battle Chinese Taipei on February 20 then to Auckland to go up against New Zealand on February 23.

There is no rest for the weary as Brownlee reunites with Barangay Ginebra for the start of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on February 26.

As hectic as the schedule is, though, Brownlee said he looks forward to “spending time” with his Gilas Pilipinas teammates.

“It’d be good to see everybody and keep building chemistry and keep getting better,” Brownlee said.

Also part of the Doha camp are Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, Mason Amos, Calvin Oftana, Kevin Quiambao, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Chris Newsome. – Rappler.com