Gilas braces for tough games vs Australia, New Zealand

December 9 ------ Gilas Pilipinas may have just recently passed its first test with flying colors but the Nationals are already shifting their focus to the more daunting task in the second window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in February.

The Filipinos were dominant in the opening window of the qualifiers, sweeping the lower-ranked Guam to go 2-0 so far in the Group A standings. But the next window will have the Nationals facing up against region powerhouses Australia and New Zealand – two games whose outcome will play a huge factor on Gilas’ chances of getting a favorable position come the second round of the qualifiers. “It’s a long way away still but we have our eyes on it,” admitted head coach Tim Cone as Gilas hosts both Oceania teams at home.

Gilas will begin its second round assignment against the still winless Tall Blacks on Feb. 26 before taking on fellow undefeated Boomers on Mar. 1. Although obviously the less favored team, familiarity won’t be a problem for Gilas having battled the two teams in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. The Filipinos even fought the Tall Blacks thrice – two in the qualifiers and one in the Asia Cup – even scoring a breakthrough win at home back in 2024.

The Boomers, meanwhile, booted out Gilas in the quarterfinals of the Asia Cup. “We know New Zealand pretty well. We played them a number of times. We played Australia in the Asia Cup. We know what’s ahead of us,” said Cone. “We know it’s not going to be easy, but we’re hoping that playing at home, that’ll make a difference for us,” he added.

Good thing for Gilas, Kai Sotto is expected to make his return in January and should be good to go for the qualifiers barring any setbacks. Having the 7-foot-3 center will surely boost the Nationals bid of pulling off upsets against Australia and New Zealand.

Source: mb.com.ph