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Tag: 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

  • Gilas Pilipinas sweeps New Zealand clubs in tune-up games ahead of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

    Gilas Pilipinas sweeps New Zealand clubs in tune-up games ahead of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team heads into one of the most crucial stretches of its FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers campaign as Gilas Pilipinas prepares for back-to-back clashes against regional heavyweights New Zealand and Australia in the opening week of July.

     

    With qualification points at a premium and the race for the next phase intensifying, head coach Tim Cone knows his squad faces its biggest challenge yet. The upcoming window will test Gilas’ depth, chemistry, and resilience as it looks to improve its standing against two of the strongest basketball programs in the Asia-Oceania region.

     

    The Philippines currently occupies third place in its qualifying group with six points after compiling a 2-2 record through its first four games. While Gilas remains firmly in contention, victories in the upcoming fixtures would significantly strengthen its qualification hopes and provide valuable momentum heading into the latter stages of the campaign.

     

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    Recognizing the importance of the July window, Cone and his coaching staff have carefully structured the team’s preparations, with Gilas completing a successful training camp in New Zealand that included two convincing victories in a pair of tune-up games against local professional clubs.

     

    The national team opened its exhibition schedule with an impressive 92-61 victory over the Manawatu Jets, showcasing its defensive intensity and balanced offensive attack.

     

    Gilas then carried that momentum into its second outing, producing another dominant performance with a 94-66 triumph over the Franklin Bulls on Tuesday, June 30.

     

    Despite sitting out naturalized star Justin Brownlee in both exhibition games, the Philippines showed encouraging depth as Cone gave extended minutes to several younger players and role contributors. The decision allowed the coaching staff to evaluate different lineup combinations while keeping one of the team’s most important veterans fresh ahead of the qualifiers.

     

    The convincing victories also provided Gilas an opportunity to sharpen its offensive execution, defensive rotations, and transition game against quality competition before facing New Zealand and Australia.

    Cone expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation, emphasizing that confidence stems from thorough planning and consistent work during training.

     

    “We have been a team that’s pulled off surprises before, so I’m not going to be surprised if we pull off another one. That’s really good preparation for us. I have always said that a prepared team is a confident team, and if we are confident, that’s going to show in our games,” Cone said after the win.

     

    The veteran coach has repeatedly stressed that while Gilas may not always be favored against traditional regional powers, preparation and belief can help bridge the talent gap.

    The challenge now becomes considerably tougher.

     

    Gilas opens the qualifying window against New Zealand on Friday, July 3, a matchup that has historically been one of the Philippines’ toughest assignments. The Tall Blacks are known for their disciplined half-court offense, physical defense, and strong international experience, making them a formidable opponent on home soil.

     

    The test becomes even greater just three days later when Gilas takes on Australia on Monday, July 6. The Boomers remain one of the premier basketball nations in the Asia-Oceania region, boasting elite talent, size, and depth developed through top domestic and international leagues.

     

    The condensed schedule leaves little room for recovery, placing an added premium on Gilas’ conditioning, bench production, and ability to make quick tactical adjustments between games.

     

    The Philippines will also look to its veteran core to provide leadership in the high-pressure environment, while younger players who impressed during the tune-up matches may be called upon to make meaningful contributions in crucial stretches.

     

    Both games are expected to have a significant impact on the group standings, with Australia, New Zealand, Guam, and the Philippines all vying for favorable positioning as the qualification race enters a pivotal stage.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the upcoming window represents more than just two basketball games. It is an opportunity to measure itself against the region’s elite, validate the progress made under Cone’s system, and potentially deliver another statement performance on the road.

     

    Armed with confidence from a successful training camp and dominant exhibition victories, Gilas now turns its full attention to the challenge ahead, hoping its preparation translates into results when the stakes are at their highest.

     

     

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  • Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao rekindle NU chemistry as Gilas cruises past Manawatu in tune-up

    Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao rekindle NU chemistry as Gilas cruises past Manawatu in tune-up

    Long before they became two of the biggest names in Philippine basketball, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao were already winning games together in Nazareth School.

     

    On Sunday, the former National University standouts turned back the clock.

     

    Tamayo and Quiambao once again shared the spotlight, leading Gilas Pilipinas Men to a dominant 92-61 victory over Manawatu at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North, giving the national team a confidence-boosting start to its New Zealand training camp ahead of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The exhibition was less about the final score and more about seeing Gilas’ revamped lineup build chemistry before facing two of Oceania’s toughest sides. And with Tamayo and Quiambao setting the tone early, the pieces appeared to fit together quickly.

     

    Tamayo finished with 14 points on an efficient 50-percent shooting clip while adding four assists and three rebounds, while Quiambao complemented him with 13 points and two rebounds as the pair anchored Gilas’ balanced offensive attack.

     

    Their early production helped the Nationals establish control almost immediately, racing to a 25-12 lead after the opening quarter before stretching the advantage to 67-45 entering the final period.

     

    Rather than easing off, Gilas continued to pile on in the fourth, eventually building its biggest lead of the night at 31 points.

     

    Depth also proved to be one of the biggest positives for head coach Tim Cone.

     

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    Veteran forward Troy Rosario delivered a flawless offensive outing, making all five of his field-goal attempts to score 11 points. Juan Gomez de Liano orchestrated the offense with nine points, seven assists, and two steals, while Mike Phillips made an impressive first appearance in Gilas colors with eight points and nine rebounds.

     

    Dwight Ramos also chipped in eight points and seven rebounds as every player in Cone’s lineup found the scoring column.

     

    Naturalized star Justin Brownlee was held out of the contest for rest, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate the rest of the roster ahead of the tougher tests awaiting the team.

     

    Manawatu, which finished last season’s New Zealand National Basketball League campaign with a 9-11 record, was led by Kazlo Evans with 11 points and Jameer Reed with 10.

     

    Team captain Jamal Poplar controlled the glass with a game-high 17 rebounds while adding six points in defeat.

     

    Gilas will wrap up its preparations against Franklin on June 30 before opening Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers against New Zealand on July 3 in Auckland, followed by a showdown with Australia in Perth on July 6.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee embraces bigger Gilas role ahead of crucial Oceania road tests 

    Justin Brownlee embraces bigger Gilas role ahead of crucial Oceania road tests 

    Justin Brownlee knows Gilas Pilipinas won’t be walking into ideal circumstances.

     

    Instead of bringing its full complement of stars into the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the national team heads to Oceania with a shorter rotation, new faces filling key roles, and two of the region’s toughest opponents waiting on home soil.

     

    For Brownlee, however, the challenge simply demands a stronger response.

     

    The veteran naturalized player will once again carry much of the offensive responsibility as Gilas faces New Zealand on July 3 in Auckland before taking on unbeaten Australia on July 6 in Perth to wrap up the first round of qualifying.

     

    “We’ve got to match their physicality and understand how to play through that,” Brownlee said during Gilas Pilipinas’ open practice at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

     

    The assignment has only become more difficult after Gilas lost several key contributors before the trip.

     

    Quentin Millora-Brown, Scottie Thompson, and Calvin Oftana have all been sidelined by injuries, while Kai Sotto remains unavailable as he pursues an NBA opportunity through the Summer League in Las Vegas.

     

    To reinforce the roster, head coach Tim Cone turned to Troy Rosario, Justine Baltazar, and Mike Phillips, who now join June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu in strengthening the Philippine frontcourt.

     

    Brownlee enters the international window riding the momentum of another historic PBA campaign.

     

    Just days after helping Barangay Ginebra capture the Commissioner’s Cup championship over TNT, the 38-year-old added a record seventh PBA title to his decorated career, further extending his legacy as the league’s winningest import.

     

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    Now, the focus shifts from club glory to national duty.

     

    Brownlee also has personal motivation after experiencing an uneven second qualifying window earlier this year.

     

    He struggled against New Zealand, finishing with just four points on 2-of-10 shooting as Gilas suffered a narrow 69-66 defeat, before bouncing back with 20 points against Australia despite the Philippines absorbing a 93-66 loss.

     

    Those results left Gilas with a 1-2 record in Group A, although the team has already secured qualification for the second round.

     

    Brownlee believes the approach remains straightforward despite the roster changes.

     

    “We just have to be aggressive,” he said. “No matter what they do, as far as how they are guarding us, we just have to stay aggressive.”

     

    Before the official qualifiers begin, Gilas will use its overseas camp to sharpen its chemistry and adjust to the conditions.

     

    The Philippines is scheduled to play exhibition games against New Zealand NBL clubs Manawatu Jets and Franklin Bulls, providing the squad valuable game repetitions before facing the Tall Blacks and the Boomers.

     

    With a revamped lineup and difficult road environment awaiting, Gilas Pilipinas will once again lean on Brownlee’s experience—hoping the same leadership that delivered another PBA championship can spark another memorable run for the national team.

     

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  • After ending Ginebra’s drought, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario embrace new challenge 

    After ending Ginebra’s drought, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario embrace new challenge 

    For most players, winning a championship comes with a chance to slow down, celebrate, and finally catch their breath.

     

    For RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario, it meant packing their bags for national team duty.

     

    Just days after helping Barangay Ginebra end its three-year title drought in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the two Gin Kings traded championship festivities for Gilas Pilipinas practice, joining the national squad as preparations intensified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The transition from champions to national team players happened almost instantly.

     

    Rather than extending the celebration following Ginebra’s dramatic seven-game Finals victory over TNT, Abarrientos and Rosario reported for Gilas duties on June 22, becoming part of a squad now preparing for difficult road assignments against New Zealand and Australia.

     

    For Abarrientos, the decision required little thought.

     

    “Unang-una, hindi ka mapapag-no kapag tinawag ka ng Gilas Pilipinas at para maglaro sa bayan,” he said.

     

    “There’s no reason para magpahinga at ilaban itong window na ito.”

     

    The star guard has emerged as one of the brightest young faces in Philippine basketball. After earning Best Player of the Conference honors and playing a major role in Ginebra’s title run, he could have easily opted for recovery after a physically demanding season.

     

    Instead, he viewed the call-up as another opportunity.

     

    “Hindi lahat ng players ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magsuot ng jersey at i-represent ang kanilang bansa,” Abarrientos said on playing for Gilas.

     

    “Very blessed, thankful ako na part pa rin ako dito sa Gilas with the other guys.”

    Rosario’s path to the Final 12 carried a different significance.

     

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    The veteran forward had previously served as a practice player during earlier qualification windows, waiting patiently for an opportunity to earn a roster spot. This time, the opportunity arrived.

     

    “Sobrang blessed kasi I was part of the Gilas two windows na practice player and to be called up for the Final 12 ay isang malaking karangalan,” Rosario said.

     

    His promotion came at a time when many players would still be enjoying the aftermath of a championship run.

     

    Instead, Rosario quickly shifted gears.

     

    “Medyo nag-e-enjoy pa ako sa pagse-celebrate ng championship sa Ginebra,” Rosario said.

    “Pero may call eh. Kailangan kong i-postpone muna ‘yung celebration to focus sa preparation dito sa upcoming window.”

     

    The sacrifice highlights the challenge many Gilas players face—balancing club commitments with the responsibility of representing the country.

     

    Now in Brisbane, Australia, Gilas is undergoing an overseas training camp designed to help the team acclimatize before taking on two of the toughest opponents in the region. The Philippines faces New Zealand in Auckland on July 3 before traveling to Perth for a showdown against Australia on July 6.

     

    For Abarrientos and Rosario, the champagne celebrations have already been replaced by scouting reports, practices, and preparation.

     

    The championship may have been won, but another challenge has already begun.

     

     

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  • Gilas hopes Brisbane stay sharpens team for World Cup qualifiers 

    Gilas hopes Brisbane stay sharpens team for World Cup qualifiers 

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the road to Auckland and Perth begins in Brisbane.

     

    Rather than heading straight into two of their toughest assignments in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the national team is investing in something it believes could make the difference when the games matter most: preparation.

     

    The Philippines departs for Australia on Tuesday for a training camp in Brisbane, where Gilas will not only get valuable practice time but also a chance to adapt to the winter conditions and play tune-up games, including one against NBL side Brisbane Bullets.

     

    With New Zealand and Australia waiting on the other side of the trip, head coach Tim Cone sees the camp as more than just another stop on the schedule.

     

    “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 emphasized that confidence starts with preparation, especially against opponents that have consistently been among the strongest teams in the region.

     

    “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.

     

    The camp also addresses a challenge that often goes unnoticed—adjusting to a completely different environment before tip-off.

     

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    Gilas program director Alfrancis Chua pointed out that acclimatizing to Australia’s winter weather is one of the key reasons behind the early trip.

     

    “It’s winter there right now, so malaking bagay sa mga bata,” Chua said. “At least makaka-adjust na sila, ‘yung katawan nila.”

     

    The Philippines enters the third window with a 2-2 record in Group A and has already secured a place in the next phase of qualification. Still, the upcoming games offer an opportunity to build momentum and measure themselves against two teams expected to contend for top spots in the region.

     

    Gilas faces New Zealand in Auckland on July 3 before traveling to Perth to take on unbeaten Australia on July 6.

     

    For a team chasing another World Cup appearance, Brisbane represents more than a training camp—it is the starting point of a mission to prove it can compete with Oceania’s best on their own turf.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee quickly shifts focus from Ginebra title to Gilas duty 

    Justin Brownlee quickly shifts focus from Ginebra title to Gilas duty 

    For most players, winning a championship is followed by a period of rest, for Justin Brownlee, it is simply time to move on to the next responsibility.

     

    Fresh from another title-winning campaign with Barangay Ginebra, the naturalized Filipino star is already turning his attention to Gilas Pilipinas as the national team prepares for a pair of challenging road games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The transition comes quickly. Less than a week after battling through a seven-game PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against TNT, Brownlee is once again preparing for meaningful basketball—this time carrying the hopes of an entire country.

     

    Yet the veteran forward insists motivation has never been an issue.

     

    “No matter how you’re feeling, you always find your energy,” said Brownlee during Gilas Pilipinas’ send-off press conference on Monday at the FilOil Centre.

     

    The timing of the call-up highlights a unique reality in Brownlee’s basketball life. He has become a central figure for both Barangay Ginebra and Gilas Pilipinas, often moving directly from one high-pressure environment to another with little time in between.

     

    Fortunately for Brownlee, the adjustment is made easier by the familiarity of the system under head coach Tim Cone, who guides both Ginebra and the national team.

     

    “We pretty much run a similar system, but there’s a lot more talent. Guys are more athletic,” said Brownlee.

     

    Still, what keeps him eager to suit up for Gilas goes beyond tactics or continuity.

     

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    While Brownlee has built a special relationship with Ginebra supporters over the years, he believes representing the Philippines brings an even greater sense of responsibility.

     

    “Playing for Ginebra is truly a blessing, truly special. And playing for the National Team is even more special because you represent the whole country,” he said.

     

    “There are already a lot of fans with Ginebra, but playing for the National Team is also a big deal.”

    Brownlee now joins a Gilas squad heading overseas for a training camp in New Zealand, where the team will play tune-up games against the Manawatu Jets and Franklin Bulls before returning to official competition.

     

    The Philippines faces New Zealand on July 3 before taking on Australia on July 6 as it wraps up its first-round campaign in the Asian Qualifiers.

     

    For Brownlee, the challenge is another opportunity to do what he has done throughout his Philippine basketball journey—answer the call whenever it comes.

     

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  • Fresh from Ginebra’s championship run, Tim Cone trusts Gilas in crucial road tests 

    Fresh from Ginebra’s championship run, Tim Cone trusts Gilas in crucial road tests 

    As Gilas Pilipinas prepares for another daunting stretch in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, head coach Tim Cone is placing his trust in his players.


    The national team enters the third qualification window carrying the weight of recently concluded professional campaigns. Several players are coming off demanding seasons in the PBA and overseas leagues, while Cone himself has just guided Barangay Ginebra San Miguel through a grueling run to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

    Yet rather than viewing fatigue as a concern, the veteran coach sees a group that remains eager for one more challenge.

     

    “Well, we know it’s going to be tough. We’re looking forward to it. You know, we’ve been a team that’s pulled surprises before, and I’m not going to be surprised if we pull a surprise,” Cone said.

     

    The Philippines faces arguably its toughest assignment of the qualifying cycle with back-to-back road games against New Zealand on July 3 and Australia on July 6. Gilas has yet to defeat either side in the current World Cup qualifying campaign, falling 69-66 to the Tall Blacks last February and suffering a 93-66 loss to the Boomers in March.

     

    Those results underscore the size of the task ahead, but Cone believes preparation could help narrow the gap.

     

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    The national team will spend valuable time in Brisbane before the qualifiers, allowing the players to adjust to conditions and build cohesion through training and tune-up games.

     

    “But I like the way the SBP has set it up for us in terms of being able to go down to Brisbane and acclimatize ourselves to the weather a little bit, get a camp down there and then play a couple of friendlies against pro New Zealand teams,” the veteran coach added.

     

    At the heart of Gilas’ campaign is a championship-tested core from Ginebra. Best Import of the Conference Justin Brownlee, Best Player of the Conference RJ Abarrientos, and veteran forward Troy Rosario arrive carrying the momentum of their title-winning run.

     

    For Cone, that existing chemistry may prove just as valuable as talent when facing two of Oceania’s basketball powers.

     

    “I’m not tired from the finals. I’m ready to get going, so I think our guys are all ready to get going, too,” Cone said.

     

    Beyond the Ginebra contingent, Gilas will also lean on a mix of established stars and overseas-based standouts. PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo joins Chris Newsome, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justin Baltazar, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao in a roster designed to blend experience, versatility, and familiarity.

     

    One of the most intriguing additions is Mike Phillips, who steps into an expanded role with Quentin Millora-Brown and Kai Sotto unavailable for the tournament.

     

    Rather than selecting players solely based on individual ability, Cone emphasized that every roster spot is determined by fit within the team’s system.

     

    “We don’t just look at the talent and say, you know, he’s the most talented player there, therefore we’re going to get him. We try to make him come in and fit the puzzle of the vision that we have for the team,” Cone said.

     

    “And Mike does that in terms of his, you know, his name is Motor Mike, and there’s a reason why he’s Motor Mike. It’s very apt, that nickname.”

     

    Despite their recent losses to New Zealand and Australia, Gilas can draw confidence from previous success. The Filipinos defeated New Zealand during the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, a reminder that the gap can be closed on the right night.

     

    With three Group A spots available in the second round, the upcoming window presents more than just a chance to improve their standing. 

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liano reunites with familiar faces in Gilas call-up 

    Juan Gomez de Liano reunites with familiar faces in Gilas call-up 

    Juan Gomez de Liano’s  latest Gilas Pilipinas call-up is about more than replacing an injured player on the roster.

     

    It is also about reconnecting with teammates whose basketball journeys have been intertwined with his for years.

     

    After being named as Scottie Thompson’s replacement for Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Gomez de Liano finds himself sharing the national team locker room once again with Justine Baltazar and RJ Abarrientos—two players who were part of a memorable chapter in Gilas history.

     

    “Super excited,” he said during the team’s send-off press conference at the FilOil Centre.

     

    The trio were members of the young Gilas squad assembled by Tab Baldwin in 2021, a team that earned praise for its performances in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and later competed in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia.

     

    While that group has since gone its separate ways across different leagues and teams, Window 3 offers a rare opportunity to bring those connections back together.

     

    Among the reunions, Gomez de Liano’s partnership with Baltazar may be the most familiar.

    The two first became teammates during the Asia Cup Qualifiers bubble in Bahrain at the height of the pandemic. Years later, they now share the same colors once more—not only in Gilas but also with Converge in the PBA.

     

    Having spent significant time together on the court, Gomez de Liano believes that chemistry could prove valuable for the national team.

     

    “The last time we represented the country was when we went to Bahrain during the pandemic,” recalled the former KBL and B.League import.

     

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    “Now we’re teammates not just with Gilas but in Converge in the PBA.

     

    “Super excited. I’m very familiar with how he plays; I know his spots, I know how to get him going. Just blessed to be here with Balti as well.”

     

    Abarrientos brings a different dynamic to the reunion.

     

    The two recently found themselves on opposite sides of a heated PBA playoff battle, with Abarrientos helping Barangay Ginebra capture the Commissioner’s Cup championship after an impressive conference that earned him Best Player of the Conference honors.

     

    Now, instead of competing against each other, they will work toward the same goal.

     

    Gomez de Liano believes Abarrientos’ growth since their previous Gilas stint has made him an even more valuable piece for the national team.

     

    “The impact RJ brings, he won the Best Player of the Conference this last conference,” Gomez de Liano said.

     

    “He’s very smart, and he creates for others as well. I think we play really well together … Super excited.”

     

    As Gilas prepares for difficult road assignments against New Zealand and Australia, familiarity may become one of its biggest strengths.

     

    For Gomez de Liano, the upcoming qualifiers represent another opportunity to contribute to the national team. But they also serve as a reminder of how far he and his fellow 2021 Gilas standouts have come—from promising young prospects to established professionals now being called upon once again to represent the country on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Mike Phillips reaches Gilas milestone, reflects on recovery journey 

    Mike Phillips reaches Gilas milestone, reflects on recovery journey 

    Long before Mike Phillips earned a spot in Gilas Pilipinas’ Final 12, he was confronting a possibility far more daunting than facing Australia or New Zealand.

     

    There was a time when simply continuing his basketball career was uncertain.

     

    As the national team prepares for a crucial window in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Phillips arrives not just as another addition to the roster but as one of its most remarkable stories.

     

    The 24-year-old forward’s inclusion in the squad represents years of persistence, recovery, and belief after a series of setbacks that once threatened to end his basketball journey altogether.

    During Gilas Pilipinas’ send-off press conference, Phillips reflected on the road that brought him to this point.

     

    “Napakasaya na kasama ako sa Gilas na ito,” Phillips said.

     

    “Madaming full-circle moments sa buhay ko ngayon.”

     

    The phrase “full-circle” carries particular significance for Phillips.

     

    Before becoming one of the most energetic and reliable frontcourt players in Philippine basketball, he endured five brain injuries suffered during high school and college. Those incidents led to difficult conversations about his future in the sport.

     

    “Naalala ko lang ‘yung sinabi ng doctor ko after I had five brain injuries,” he shared.

    “Sabi niya, baka hindi ka na makapaglaro ng basketball.”

     

    Instead of becoming the final chapter of his basketball career, those words now serve as a reminder of how far he has come.

     

    Today, Phillips is preparing to represent the Philippines in one of the sport’s most prestigious international competitions.

     

    “Pero ngayon po, makakapaglaro para sa bansa natin,” he said.

     

    “Talagang ‘yung dahilan ko kung bakit ako nandito ay si God po.”

     

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    “’Yung pagkakataon na ‘yun po, malaking blessing talaga so gusto ko talaga sulitin at tutulungan ko ‘yung team in any way I can.”

     

    His call-up carries additional meaning because this is the opportunity he had been working toward for years.

     

    Phillips previously suited up for Gilas during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, but becoming eligible as a local player and earning a place in the senior national team’s FIBA campaign was always the bigger objective.

     

    “Malaking bagay po kasi ‘yung Gilas talaga, ‘yun ‘yung big time,” he said.

     

    “So, maging local talaga ‘yung pangarap ko, at ‘yun ‘yung pinagtatrabahuhan namin ilang years na.”

     

    Now part of a roster that blends established veterans with emerging talent, Phillips believes the team’s chemistry will be one of its strengths as it heads into challenging road games against New Zealand and Australia.

     

    “Maganda din po ‘yung samahan namin,” he said.

     

    “May mga old faces, new faces, so maganda ‘yung mix ng mga rookies tsaka beterano sa team.”

    For Phillips, the upcoming qualifiers are about more than wins, losses, or standings.

     

    They are another reminder that a career once placed in doubt has evolved into something far greater than he imagined.

     

    From hearing that he might never play again to wearing the national colors on the international stage, Phillips’ journey has become one of the most inspiring stories inside the Gilas Pilipinas program.

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liaño steps into Gilas lineup as Scottie Thompson sits out 

    Juan Gomez de Liaño steps into Gilas lineup as Scottie Thompson sits out 

    Gilas Pilipinas will enter the next stage of its FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign with a familiar face stepping into a larger role.

     

    Juan Gomez de Liaño has been promoted to the national team’s Final 12 after Scottie Thompson was forced to withdraw due to injury, creating an opening that the Converge guard is no stranger to filling.

     

    While Thompson’s absence leaves a significant void in terms of experience, versatility, and leadership, it also presents another chance for Gomez de Liaño to continue building his place within the national team setup.

     

    The roster adjustment comes after a physically demanding stretch for Thompson, who helped lead Barangay Ginebra to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship in a grueling seven-game Finals series against TNT.

     

    Already dealing with a hamstring issue, Thompson absorbed another blow early in the deciding Game 7 when an accidental collision with TNT veteran Kelly Williams left him with a cut beneath his eye. Despite the injury scare, he remained on the floor and played a key role in Ginebra’s title-clinching victory, a performance that ultimately earned him his third Finals MVP award.

     

    With Thompson sidelined, Gilas turns to a player who made a strong impression during the previous qualifying window.

     

    Gomez de Liaño emerged as one of the team’s bright spots during its tightly contested matchup against New Zealand, finishing with 10 points and two assists while connecting on two three-pointers in the 69-66 defeat.

     

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    Although his offensive numbers dipped against Australia, he continued to contribute in other areas, collecting four rebounds and two assists while showing the versatility that has made him a valuable option for the national team.

     

    His performances did not go unnoticed.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone previously described Gomez de Liaño as a “special talent,” signaling confidence in the 26-year-old guard’s long-term future within the Gilas program.

     

    Now, with another opportunity in front of him, Gomez de Liaño will be tasked with helping stabilize a roster preparing for two of its toughest assignments yet.

     

    Despite losses to New Zealand and Australia in the second window, Gilas secured progression to the next stage after New Zealand’s victory over Guam. The Philippines currently holds a 2-2 record and remains firmly in contention as the race toward the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup continues.

     

    The national team resumes action on July 3 in Auckland against New Zealand before traveling to Perth for a rematch with Australia on July 6.

     

    For Gomez de Liaño, those games represent more than just another call-up. They offer another chance to prove he can become a consistent piece of Gilas Pilipinas moving forward.

     

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