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Category: Basketball

  • Tim Cone expresses relief as Gilas advances to the next round despite setback

    Tim Cone expresses relief as Gilas advances to the next round despite setback

    Advancement is secured, but comfort is nowhere to be found for Gilas Pilipinas. After suffering a 93-66 defeat to world Australia at the Mall of Asia Arena, a loss that capped a winless second window.

     

    The Philippines remained safely through to the next phase of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    Gilas’ early surge against the Boomers briefly ignited the home crowd, signaling belief against one of the powerhouses. But as the game went on, Australia’s depth and discipline took control, handing the Philippines a second straight defeat and leaving them at 2-2 in Group A.

     

    A sweep of Guam in the first window last year built enough cushion to guarantee progression. The losses to Australia and New Zealand dented momentum.

     

    “We’re not going to lose our berth in losing to New Zealand and Australia,” Gilas coach Tim Cone said.

     

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    The numbers back him up. Australia tops Group A at 4-0 and has already sealed its place in the next round. The Philippines and New Zealand are tied for second, while Guam sits winless at 0-4. With only the third and final window remaining in July, advancement is no longer the question.

     

    Unlike most tournaments where teams reset in the next stage, this format carries over results against fellow qualifiers. That technical detail transforms past losses into future pressure.

     

    “But these games are carry over. They’re still very, very important. We carry over with a bad record, it’s going to be much tougher for us. There should be no margin for error (in the second round).” Cone later pointed out.

     

    That margin may define the Philippines’ World Cup fate. A weaker carry-over record could force Gilas into near-perfection mode in the second round.

     

    Where Group A teams are expected to be bracketed into Group E alongside Middle Eastern contenders such as Jordan, Iran, and Syria. A strong foundation now could mean breathing room later.

     

    “So we need to at least get one win from the four games we played against Australia and New Zealand so that we can have a bigger margin for error,” said Cone. “If we don’t, we may have to do something like sweep the second round against the Middle Eastern teams.”

     

    For Gilas, advancement is secured — but advantage is not, and in a qualification campaign where every result lingers, the next window won’t just be about survival. It will be about shaping the road ahead.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas falters late against Australia after second-half collapse in World Cup Qualifiers

    Gilas Pilipinas falters late against Australia after second-half collapse in World Cup Qualifiers

    Gilas Pilipinas found itself locked in a competitive battle early, but a third-quarter explosion led by Elijah Pepper turned the tide as the Australia men’s national basketball team pulled away for a commanding 93-66 victory in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    For much of the first half, the hosts stayed within striking distance, trailing by only five at the break. But Australia’s depth and perimeter firepower eventually took control, unleashing a dominant second-half run that exposed Gilas’ struggles on both ends of the floor.

     

    Pepper spearheaded the decisive stretch, catching fire from deep and finishing with a game-high 28 points built on five three-pointers. His scoring burst fueled a momentum swing that quickly transformed a manageable deficit into a runaway lead, keeping the Boomers unbeaten in Group A.

     

    The Philippines struggled to generate consistent offense despite a strong all-around effort from Justin Brownlee, who bounced back with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists after a quiet outing in the previous game. 

     

    Quentin Millora-Brown also provided support inside with 11 points, but offensive rhythm remained elusive for the rest of the squad.

     

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    Outside shooting became a major issue for Gilas, which converted just eight of 31 attempts from beyond the arc while finishing under 35 percent overall from the field. The rebounding battle further tilted the game toward Australia, as the Boomers capitalized on 18 offensive boards that repeatedly extended possessions and punished defensive lapses.

     

    Australia’s balance complemented Pepper’s scoring eruption. Tanner Krebs delivered early momentum and finished with 18 points, while veteran leader Mitch Creek added 13 points and six rebounds to stabilize the Boomers’ attack.

     

    Meanwhile, Gilas guard Dwight Ramos—fresh off leading the team in scoring against the New Zealand men’s national basketball team—was limited to nine points on a tough shooting night.

     

    Despite the lopsided defeat, the Philippines still secured passage to the next phase of the qualifiers after Guam men’s national basketball team absorbed a heavy loss to New Zealand earlier in the day, allowing Gilas to advance alongside the Tall Blacks.

     

    The result, however, underscored the growing challenge facing Gilas: translating competitive stretches into full-game execution against deeper and more physical international opponents.

     

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  • Gilas sticks with same lineup, eyes redemption against Australia

    Gilas sticks with same lineup, eyes redemption against Australia

    Continuity will be the approach for Gilas Pilipinas as it heads into another high-stakes test in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, with head coach Tim Cone opting to keep the same 12-man lineup for Sunday’s showdown against Australia men’s national basketball team at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The decision comes after a heartbreaking 69-66 loss to the New Zealand men’s national basketball team, a game that showed both the promise and the growing pains of the current Gilas core.

     

    Now sitting at 2-1, the Philippines faces an uphill climb against an unbeaten Australian side that recently handled Guam, 93-80. Rather than overhaul the rotation, Cone is leaning on familiarity—believing that experience against elite competition will ultimately sharpen the team.

     

    “that we get by playing these guys more and more. I think it just helps us to come up with ways to be successful,” Cone said of the upcoming matchup against Australia, referencing their previous 84-60 defeat in continental play.

     

    One of the biggest storylines entering the matchup is the expected bounce-back performance of naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who struggled mightily against New Zealand with just four points on 2-of-10 shooting while missing all four attempts from beyond the arc.

     

    Brownlee will again anchor a deep frontline rotation alongside AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and June Mar Fajardo—a group that reflects the program’s continued shift toward length and versatility.

     

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    Despite Brownlee’s off night, Gilas showed flashes of offensive balance, particularly from Dwight Ramos, who led the team with 16 points, and CJ Perez, who added 15 markers in an aggressive scoring effort.

     

    Juan Gomez de Liaño also provided a spark with 10 points, including two triples, marking a strong first appearance for the national team since the 2023 qualifiers.

     

    Completing the backcourt rotation are Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, and Scottie Thompson, forming a defensive-minded guard group tasked with containing Australia’s perimeter attack.

    Australia enters the contest with a balanced roster led by veteran wing Mitch Creek, along with a mix of international league standouts including Nick Kay, Jack White, and Sam Froling—continuing the program’s tradition of depth and physicality.

     

    Their structured system and size present another major challenge for Gilas, which has struggled in recent meetings against Oceania powerhouses.

     

    Despite the narrow defeat to New Zealand, the Philippine side showed improved defensive discipline and late-game resilience—signs Cone hopes will translate into a stronger performance in the rematch against a higher-ranked opponent.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has also called on fans to wear blue for the home game, aiming to recreate the electric atmosphere that nearly fueled a comeback in the previous outing.

    For Gilas, the approach is clear: stay the course, trust the chemistry being built, and turn lessons from close losses into momentum.

     

    Against Australia, continuity will once again be put to the test.

     

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  • Old rivals meet again as Australia returns to face Gilas

    Old rivals meet again as Australia returns to face Gilas

    The eyes of Filipino basketball fans are once again fixed on the court, but this time, anticipation comes with a sense of cautious optimism. 


    Gilas Pilipinas will host Australia on Sunday in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers — a matchup steeped in history, rivalry, and redemption.

     

    Memories of July 2018 remain vivid. That infamous clash at the Philippine Arena, left a lasting mark on both nations’ basketball programs. 

     

    The game erupted into a massive brawl, leading to suspensions, fines, and an unprecedented one‑game fanless stadium. 

     

    Calvin Abueva bore the brunt with a six-game ban, while teammates Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz, and Jio Jalalon faced five-game suspensions. Even Chot Reyes temporarily stepped away from his coaching duties as Gilas sought to regain composure.

     

    Financial repercussions were equally severe. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas paid over P13 million for “unsportsmanlike behavior of its delegation members and of its public, as well as for insufficient organization of the game,” while Basketball Australia was fined over P5 million for the misconduct of its players and for tampering with equipment prior to the game.

     

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    But time has a way of healing old wounds. When the two sides met again last August in the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals in Saudi Arabia, Australia dominated on the scoreboard with an 84‑60 win, yet there were no signs of lingering animosity. 

     

    “We’ve moved on,” remarked then-SBP president Al Panlilio, reflecting the evolved relationship between the federations.

     

    Sunday’s matchup carries a different weight. Beyond points, wins, or standings, it represents a chance for redemption, composure, and sportsmanship. 

     

    After a tough loss to New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas is expected to come out faster, sharper, and more disciplined, focusing on speed, perimeter shooting, and lockdown defense to counter Australia’s powerful inside game and sharpshooters. 

     

    Current Gilas coach Tim Cone is likely to rotate his lineup strategically, blending veteran experience with youthful energy as he looks to guide the team to a strong bounce-back performance.

     

    Gilas fans remember the chaos of 2018, but they are eager to witness a clean, competitive contest that showcases the skill, strategy, and heart of their team without the shadow of controversy.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos vows bounce-back game as Gilas falls short vs New Zealand

    Dwight Ramos vows bounce-back game as Gilas falls short vs New Zealand

    A late surge sparked by Dwight Ramos nearly rescued Gilas Pilipinas from the brink, but the comeback ran out of time as the Nationals absorbed a heartbreaking 69-66 loss to the New Zealand Tall Blacks in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Thursday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    In a game defined by defensive grit and missed opportunities, Ramos emerged as the focal point of Gilas’ late push—but also its most honest critic afterward.

     

    Trailing by nine with just over three minutes left, the Philippines looked headed for a decisive defeat. Instead, Ramos ignited a final rally, scoring five straight points in the closing minute to cut the deficit to two. His deep triple brought the crowd back to life, and his second-chance layup kept Gilas within striking distance after a defensive stop.

     

    When New Zealand missed a crucial free throw in the final seconds, the door briefly opened. Ramos pushed the ball upcourt and launched a long attempt from near the logo, hoping to force overtime—but the shot bounced off the backboard and rim as the buzzer sounded.

    Despite leading Gilas with 16 points, Ramos struggled with efficiency, finishing 6-of-21 from the field—a stat line that weighed heavily on him after the game.

     

    “It’s kind of tough because I missed a lot of shots. Obviously, I missed the last shot. I feel bad. I wish I was better today,” said Ramos, who led the team with 16 points, although he shot on a 6-of-21 clip.

     

    The loss wasn’t defined by the final possession alone. Ramos acknowledged that the outcome was shaped by missed chances throughout the contest.

     

    “Hopefully, we all learn. It’s a close game. Every possession counts. I’m just trying to be better,” he said.

     

    Currently playing for Levanga Hokkaido, Ramos emphasized that stepping up offensively was part of sharing the load with naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who drew heavy defensive attention all night. 

     

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    “I mean, I just try to stay aggressive because obviously, a lot of the focus was on JB [Justin Brownlee]. If you just watch him and expect him to do everything, it’s a lot of load on him. Everyone has to be aggressive and play their part. I just try to do mine. I was not the best today, and I’ll just try to be better moving forward.”

     

    “I was trying to bank it in, and it just didn’t fall. But it’s not just about that shot, you know? I missed a lot of other shots, and I just have to be better in the future,” Ramos told reporters after finishing with 16 points on 6-of-21 shooting, along with eight rebounds, two steals, and one assist.

     

    For Ramos, the narrow defeat quickly shifts from frustration to urgency. Gilas faces another major test against the Australia men’s national basketball team, a matchup that leaves little time for the team to dwell on mistakes.

     

    “Right now, all I can think about is my mistakes. I feel bad, but I gotta move on to the next game,” the Levanga Hokkado baller added.

     

    The upcoming clash also marks a renewed chapter in the Philippines-Australia rivalry, with veteran guard Mitch Creek returning to the Boomers’ lineup. Ramos believes the lessons from the New Zealand game—and a productive training camp—can help Gilas respond.

     

    “I think so. The coaches had a great game plan today, and the training camp was great. I think the game was this close because of the players’ effort and also the coaches’ game plan. We did a great job, and we’re all learning at the same time to try to be better,” Ramos shared.

     

    “We’re gonna try and learn from this game. It was a close game; obviously, there’s a lot to learn because every possession counts. We’re gonna check over the mistakes and learn from this.”

    While the loss stung, Ramos’ late-game charge highlighted a growing leadership role—one that Gilas will need as it attempts to regroup quickly and defend home floor in its next outing. 

     

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  • “Kyrie wanted to beat LeBron”: Iman Shumpert explains why Irving requested trade from Cavaliers

    “Kyrie wanted to beat LeBron”: Iman Shumpert explains why Irving requested trade from Cavaliers

    Kyrie Irving is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history. His combination of elite ball-handling, deep shooting range, and clutch performance has cemented his status as a future Hall of Famer. Over the course of his career, Irving has dazzled fans and analysts alike, routinely making shots that seem impossible and breaking defenses with his quickness and agility, despite his relatively smaller stature for an NBA guard.

     

    Irving’s skill set was on full display during the 2016 NBA Finals, where he helped the Cleveland Cavaliers stage one of the most historic comebacks in league history. Trailing the Golden State Warriors 3–1 in the series, Irving and the Cavaliers orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to claim Cleveland’s first NBA Championship. His clutch three-pointer in Game 7, over Stephen Curry’s outstretched hand, remains one of the defining moments of his career and a symbol of his ability to perform under pressure.

     

    However, just a year after reaching the pinnacle of success in Cleveland, Irving shocked the basketball world by requesting a trade from the Cavaliers in July 2017. The decision was widely debated, as it came only a year after his championship triumph alongside LeBron James, the team’s superstar and face of the franchise. Reports at the time suggested that the then 25-year-old Irving no longer wanted to play in LeBron’s shadow. Instead, he sought the opportunity to be the centerpiece of a team — a chance to lead as the primary star, which would have been difficult to achieve in Cleveland.

     

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    The dynamics of the Cavaliers’ locker room and Irving’s motivations were recently discussed by former teammate Iman Shumpert, who was part of Cleveland’s 2016 championship squad. Speaking on the “Club Shay” podcast, Shumpert offered insight into Irving’s mindset and why the young guard desired a move away from LeBron’s influence.

     

    “If you know Kyrie, Kyrie is a Kobe guy. Kyrie wanted to beat LeBron, and that’s okay. People be like, ‘Man that was dumb. I would have —’ Yeah, you would have. You would have teamed up. That’s who you are. That’s not Kyrie. Kyrie is like, ‘The only way I can be crowned the best is to beat the best,’” Shumpert explained.

    He continued, offering a colorful analogy to describe the situation: “You at your momma crib. And then they just bring you a new brother, and your mama like, ‘Well you is the one that get to have the house key and do whatever you want. You get to drive the car. You got a new brother now.

     

    “For people not to understand that’s what happened, and then be like, ‘Oh, he should have put his pride to the side?’ Why? What’s wrong with that? Bron is great, Kyrie wanted to beat him. Kyrie wanted you all to have to say, ‘I beat LeBron on the biggest stage ever,’” Shumpert added.

     

    Shumpert’s perspective sheds light on Irving’s competitive fire and his desire to establish his own legacy separate from LeBron James, whom many consider one of the greatest players in NBA history. While some fans criticized Irving at the time for leaving a championship-caliber team, understanding his mindset puts his decision into context: Irving was not merely seeking personal glory; he wanted to prove that he could conquer the league’s very best on his own terms.

     

    Indeed, Irving’s career following the trade has reflected this mindset. While he faced challenges adjusting to new teams and systems, his talent remained undeniable. In Boston, he led the Celtics to deep playoff runs and became the centerpiece of their offense. Later, in Brooklyn, Irving continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess, ball-handling wizardry, and ability to dominate critical moments — all hallmarks of the same player who hit one of the most iconic shots in Finals history.

     

    Irving’s story illustrates the delicate balance between team success and individual legacy in professional sports. While championships define careers for some, personal growth, competitive drive, and the desire to test oneself against the very best can equally shape a player’s journey.

     

    As Irving continues his career, fans and analysts alike are reminded that his decisions — from the 2017 trade to the moments of brilliance on the court — are driven by an insatiable desire to compete at the highest level. Whether in Cleveland, Boston, Brooklyn, or wherever he plays next, Kyrie Irving remains a player whose talent, ambition, and unyielding competitive spirit define his path in the NBA.

     

     

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  • Calvin Abueva urges patience as Converge FiberXers build chemistry

    Calvin Abueva urges patience as Converge FiberXers build chemistry

    Early buzz around the Converge FiberXers continues to grow, but Calvin Abueva is making sure the conversation stays grounded.

     

    Despite the roster upgrades and rising expectations heading into the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Abueva believes the FiberXers are still in the early stages of building the identity they hope to carry into the midseason conference.

     

    The veteran forward spoke after Converge’s 92-87 tune-up victory over the Blackwater Bossing at the Gatorade Hoops Center, where flashes of potential were evident—but consistency and chemistry remain works in progress.

     

    “Actually, marami pang adjustment,” he said moments after their 92-87 win over Blackwater in a tuneup game at the Gatorade Hoops Center on Wednesday.

     

    “Hindi mo naman puwedeng sabihin na pagdating, agad-agad malakas, ‘di ba? Medyo hindi pa naman kumpleto ‘yung communication ng bawat isa sa amin.”

     

    Converge’s evolving roster has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. The league recently approved a three-team trade that sent Deschon Winston and Kevin Racal out while bringing in Jonnel Policarpio and Kurt Reyson from sister MVP Group squads. The move came shortly after the franchise secured Abueva himself in a separate deal—another signal that the young organization is aggressively reshaping its lineup.

     

    With the additions, optimism quickly followed. But Abueva stressed that talent alone does not instantly translate into results.

     

    “‘Yun muna ‘yung pag-aaralan namin para sa conference, mas mag-explode kami, mas maintindihan namin ang isa’t isa sa amin,” he offered.

     

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    “Kasi season na ‘yun eh. This time, kailangan namin trabahuhin kung paano ‘yung communication namin outside and inside the court.”

     

    Even for a seasoned player known for his relentless motor, the adjustment period has been real. Abueva admitted he is still learning the system under head coach Delta Pineda while managing minor physical discomfort from the team’s intense training sessions.

     

    Those minor aches forced him to sit out the preseason outing, though he clarified that the decision was purely precautionary.

     

    “In the first three days ko na nag-ensayo, OK naman. Nakakasabay. Pero ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, hindi ka makakagalaw hangga’t may iniinda ka,” he said.

     

    “‘Yun naman yung sinabi ko sa management, na hangga’t may iniinda ako, hindi ako makakagalaw. Pero ‘pag nawala ‘yan, automatic talaga, tatrabaho ako.”

     

    Still, beyond the adjustments and recovery process, Abueva sees something promising forming within the FiberXers’ locker room—particularly in the team’s competitive edge.

     

    “This time competitive na ‘yung team,” the Kapampangan star offered, “and ‘yun nga ‘yung maganda rito, mas double effort mga mangyayari sa amin.”

     

    For now, Converge’s transformation remains a work in progress—but if Abueva’s mindset is any indication, the FiberXers are prioritizing cohesion over hype as they prepare for the challenges of the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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  • “I loved drugs”: Lamar Odom admits drug addiction hurt his NBA Hall of Fame chances

    “I loved drugs”: Lamar Odom admits drug addiction hurt his NBA Hall of Fame chances

    Basketball Association (NBA), capturing two championships and earning a reputation as one of the league’s most versatile talents of his era.

     

    Yet while Odom’s résumé includes significant on-court achievements, his post-playing narrative has often been defined by highly publicized off-court struggles — from his marriage to reality television star Khloe Kardashian to his long battle with substance abuse, including a near-fatal overdose in 2015 that forced him into intensive medical care.

     

    Now 46, Odom has spoken candidly about how addiction shaped — and in his view, limited — what could have been a Hall of Fame career. During a recent appearance on the podcast Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady, hosted by fellow former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, Odom reflected on the grip drugs had on his life, even at the height of his professional success.

     

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    “I loved drugs. You are talking to a real addict. If I don’t have to play ball, then I don’t have responsibilities. Summertime I did drugs I ain’t gonna front. If you got caught for sniffing cocaine, that suspension is gonna be crazy. I had some great cocaine summers, though. I should be where you all are in the Hall of Fame. Off of straight talent. In an addict mind you think about how you are going to beat the system,” Odom said.

     

    Odom’s raw admission underscored the internal battle he fought throughout his playing days — a tension between immense natural ability and destructive habits that he believes ultimately prevented him from reaching true all-time status.

    “I had people coming to me before when I made it to the NBA. I was like 13 years old, saying, ‘No doubt in my mind you will be a Hall of Famer.’ Let’s keep it real, I have a shot at a reality show in season. That meant I was playing in the games and still won Sixth Man of the Year, shooting a reality show. So I know I had the grit and makeup to do it. But I’m thinking about overall greatness and legacy, yeah, I hurt that by abusing drugs. 100 percent,” he added.

     

    Selected with the fourth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, Odom quickly showcased his rare skill set. At 6-foot-10 with guard-like ballhandling and passing ability, he was one of the league’s earliest prototypes of the modern positionless forward — capable of initiating offense, rebounding, and defending multiple positions.

     

    Odom later had stints with the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks, but it was during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers that he experienced the pinnacle of team success. As a key contributor off the bench, Odom helped the Lakers secure back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. His impact was formally recognized in 2011 when he was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year — an award that highlighted his value as one of the league’s premier reserves.

     

    Throughout his career, Odom averaged 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, numbers that only hint at his all-around influence. Coaches and teammates often praised his basketball IQ and unselfishness, qualities that made him a vital piece on contending teams.

     

    Still, Odom’s recent reflections reveal lingering regret. While he achieved more than most professional athletes ever do, he openly acknowledges that his ceiling was higher — and that addiction stood in the way of sustained greatness.

     

    Today, Odom has increasingly used his platform to speak about recovery and accountability, offering insight into the mental and emotional challenges that can accompany professional sports stardom. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience — a reminder that even championship rings cannot shield athletes from deeply personal battles.

     

    In revisiting his journey, Odom’s honesty adds depth to a career that was as compelling as it was complicated — one marked by brilliance, vulnerability, and hard-earned self-awareness.

     

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  • Tim Cone hails Juan Gomez de Liaño as a bright spot for Gilas despite loss to New Zealand

    Tim Cone hails Juan Gomez de Liaño as a bright spot for Gilas despite loss to New Zealand

    Even in defeat, Gilas Pilipinas found a promising storyline moving forward.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone singled out Juan Gomez de Liaño as one of the biggest positives from Thursday night’s narrow 69-66 loss to the New Zealand men’s national basketball team at the Mall of Asia Arena in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    While the result slowed the Philippines’ momentum in the tournament, Gomez de Liaño’s performance offered a glimpse of the national team’s evolving guard rotation.

     

    Inserted early in the first quarter in place of CJ Perez, the Converge playmaker wasted little time making an impact. He scored five quick points in just over three minutes, immediately injecting pace and confidence into the offense. By the end of the night, he tallied 10 points and two assists, highlighted by a pair of triples that kept Gilas within striking distance.

     

    Cone revealed that the performance did not come as a surprise. “He has been playing, you know, he was playing maybe one of our best, if not the best player in our whole practice camp that we had in preparation. So we’re not surprised by what he came out and did,” Cone said of Gomez de Liaño during the post-game press conference.

     

    For Gomez de Liaño, the outing marked a significant step in his return to the national setup. Though he was part of the training pool during the first window, he fell short of making the final roster. This time, his opportunity translated into immediate production—and potentially a longer stay.

     

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    “You know, he’s going to be a mainstay on this team, he’s going to be, he’s going to get a lot more, remember this was his first game in front of a big crowd and, you know, a lot of pressure,” Cone said.

     

    “He’s going to get comfortable and he’s going to do a lot more than he just did today and he did a lot today but he’s even going to do a lot more going forward, he’s a special talent,” he added.

    Cone emphasized that familiarity with the system will only strengthen Gomez de Liaño’s role as the campaign progresses.

     

    That projection aligns with the guard’s recent rise at the professional level. Playing for the Converge FiberXers, the former UP Fighting Maroons star delivered an impressive run in the last PBA Philippine Cup, averaging 19 points, 7.23 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game. His breakout stretch included three triple-doubles—most notably in his debut—and a career-high 32-point performance against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that earned him Player of the Week honors.

     

    Those numbers reflect the all-around skill set that Gilas hopes can translate consistently to the international stage.

     

    Despite the setback against New Zealand, Gomez de Liaño’s emergence gives the coaching staff another reliable option heading into the team’s next test against the Australia men’s national basketball team on March 1, again at the Mall of Asia Arena—where Gilas will look to turn a tough loss into momentum for the rest of the qualifiers.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone unmoved by close call after loss to New Zealand

    Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone unmoved by close call after loss to New Zealand

    There was no search for silver linings inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena locker room Thursday night — only accountability.


    Despite a late surge that nearly flipped the script, Gilas Pilipinas walked away with a 66-69 loss to the New Zealand men’s national basketball team in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, surrendering its unbeaten start in front of the home crowd.

     

    For head coach Tim Cone, coming close simply wasn’t enough.

     

    “I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I’m happy with our performance. The bottom line is we’re not going to feel good or take pride in the fact that we got close or we almost won,” Coach Tim Cone said.

     

    “Bottom line is we’re here to win, and we didn’t do that,” the coach of Gilas added.

     

    The Nationals trailed most of the night but showed urgency when it mattered. Five points in the final minute, capped with 8.1 seconds remaining, pulled Gilas within striking distance at 66-68.

    After Reuben Te Rangi split his free throws to push the lead to three, Dwight Ramos launched a desperate heave from near half court. The ball caught iron and bounced away, sealing Gilas’ first defeat.

     

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    Justin Brownlee, often Gilas’ offensive anchor, was limited to just four points, though he contributed across the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Early stability instead came from Cjay Perez, who scored the team’s first 10 points and finished with 15 points and eight rebounds to keep the Nationals afloat.

     

    Inside, Quentin Millora-Brown and AJ Edu provided muscle and presence, a bright spot Cone acknowledged even in disappointment.

     

    “There were certain parts of the game where I thought we did well. We defended well. We competed on the board. I thought our big guys, Q and AJ played real well,” Cone said.

     

    “I hate saying that we didn’t make shots because there is more to the game than just making shots. That’s an easy explanation. But if you are saying that, just because you are not getting good shots, and we didn’t get the shots that we wanted.

     

    We didn’t get the flow that we wanted. Credit goes to them because they defended well as well.”

    New Zealand dictated that rhythm or lack of it. Their defense disrupted Gilas’ preferred flow, forcing difficult attempts and limiting transition opportunities.

     

    For Cone, the message moving forward is clear that the progress is measured in wins, not in how close a loss feels.

     

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