Gilas’ rank rises, players back to reality

NOW that the 2024 Paris Olympics are all behind us, Gilas-Pilipinas climbed three notches based on the latest FIBA World ranking following a good showing in the Olympic Qualiying Tournament (OQT) run ups.

Though head coach Tim Cone’s “Generational Players”, back in the fold of their respective teams, missed a chance to gain a spot in the Paris Games, still believes we could have done a lot better than Brazil instead.

Brazil, which paraded with four ex-NBA players, denied Gilas of a slot following its extensive scouting of the Filipinos’ “Triangle Offense” prevailing in the cross-over semis, 71-60, before winning over Latvia, 94-69.to catch the last bus to Paris.

With all that now “water under bridge”, Gilas’ performance in the FIBA qualifications, earned themselves to raise its ranking from 37th to 34th position, on the strength of an 89-80 conquest of world no.6.

Gilas’12-point quotient advantage, was enough to oust no.23 Georgia from the semis’ race, despite the latters’ 94-90 win over the Filipinos.

The win likewise improved our Asian ranking from fifth to fourth behind Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

After the international stint and Gilas members returned to their respective ballclubs, However, Cone still in cloud nine, very please and satisfied the ways his boys have shown what they are made of.

Cone since then, has kept analysing the words of Latvia mentor Luca Banchi said in a post-game interview, “we had difficulty in handling their (Gilas) size and their physicality style of play”.

But for Cone training dosen’t stops there, as they promise to flash again their dominance in the next qualifying window for the FIBA Asia Cup when it meets Hong Kong anew and New Zealnd in November with all matches will be played at the Mall of Asia.

And back at home, the nationals rejoining their teams in time for the opening of the 49-season PBA last Sunday with a new set of league innovations, includes the much anticipated four-point shot rule.

Meralco Bolts’ Chirs Banchero have the honor to score the first four-pointer, as sunk a 28-foot jumper on the way to victory over Magnolia Hotshots, 94-92.