Gilas faces preparation woes anew

GILAS-Pilipinas’ training and preparation for the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualification round is foreseen by head coach Tim Cone, a matter of grave concern as the national’s 12-man, roster, plus one, are in “high level” of performance with their respective teams, at home and overseas .

What somehow worrying for Cone, is the reality, Gilas has only five days to train and practice together three weeks from now (NoV.16) as most of the key players and Cone himself are seeing action the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup finals series, the collegiate league (UAAP) and other members of the team are strutting their wares either Japan B-League, Korean Basketball League (KBL) and in Taiwan.

The Nationals, under then head coach Chot Reyes, lose all three meetings against New Zealand, but with coach Tim is at the helm. I believe its going to be totally a different ball game, though its going to be tough. I can say Gilas has a fair chance of winning the so-called Tall Blacks,

Judging on their last showing during Olympic Qualification round, wherein the nationals upset FIBA world No.6 Latvia and eliminated No.12 Georgia on points, before they fell short in the semifinals against Brazil. Gilas’ performance wasn’t bad at all. considering the 89-80 victory over the Latvians was the Philippines first win against a European team in over four decades.

And three more factors I believed is in Gilas’ favor, one, we have the size and heft that can matched the Kiwis’ physicality, two, they have already learned and mastered Cone’s playbook or system since they have been playing together for over six months now. Three, Gilas is playing at home and expect the home crowd and the legion of followers will flak to the Mall of Asia Arena to cheer and back them up Nov. 21.

It was also reported, Gilas is also boosted with health line-up, as previously injured players, Scottie Thompson (slip-disc), E.J Edu ( hip), Kai Sotto (Back pain) and Jaime Malonzo (knee), all are fully recovered from their respective injuries and have been showing signs of good health.

Coach Tim and his Gin Kings, along with Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Justine Brownlee and Gilas returnee R.J Abbarientos, are currently locked in tight championship battle with TNT Tropang Giga, (Calvin Oftana). the later took the aeries opener, 104-88. of a best-of-seven.

The American mentor, regarded Gilas’ meeting with tormentor New Zealand as another severe test for his wards and a test to his formulated four-year program, which culminates in 2028, with Gilas-Pilipinas qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics.

And indeed, Cone has anticipated, its going to tough to battle when it tangle with the Kiwis, but Cone is looking forward to measuring up with them, due to a fact that they have beaten the Nationals in the various Asian level tournaments.

In three occasions, New Zealand asserted its dominance over Gilas, during the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup Group phase, 92-75. FIBA World Cup 2023 qualifying round, 100-60. And in 2016 FIBA OQT 89-80.