Gilas heads to Brisbane for training camp ahead of New Zealand-Australia road games

June 24 ------ Gilas Pilipinas are hoping extra preparation will pay off as they head to Brisbane for training camp ahead of crucial road games against New Zealand and Australia in the third window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

The national team leaves for Australia on Tuesday and will hold sessions in Brisbane, where Gilas is scheduled to play two tune-up games, including one against NBL club Brisbane Bullets. For head coach Tim Cone, the camp gives Gilas a valuable opportunity to adjust to the conditions before facing two of Oceania's top teams. "We know it's going to be tough," Cone said during Gilas’ send-off press conference on Monday. "We've been a team that's pulled surprises before, and I'm not going to be surprised if we pull a surprise."

Cone praised the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for arranging the overseas camp, which will allow the team to acclimatize to the winter weather and gain additional game experience. "I think that's really good preparation for us," he said. "Every game for Gilas is a championship game. It's a Game 7." "A prepared team is a confident team. If we feel like we're prepared and ready to go, then we're going to be confident," Cone added.

Gilas program director Alfrancis Chua likewise acknowledged the investment needed for the camp, stressing its importance. "It's winter there right now, so malaking bagay sa mga bata," Chua said. "At least makaka-adjust na sila, ‘yung katawan nila."

Gilas enters the third window with a 2-2 record in Group A but has already secured a spot in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The Philippines faces New Zealand in Auckland on July 3 before taking on unbeaten group leader Australia in Perth on July 6.

Source: onesports.com.ph