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Tag: 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

  • Gilas Pilipinas announces Final 12 for second window of FIBA qualifiers 

    Gilas Pilipinas announces Final 12 for second window of FIBA qualifiers 

    With urgency building ahead of two crucial home games, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officially unveiled the Final 12 of Gilas Pilipinas for the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, highlighting a roster shaped as much by opportunity as by necessity.

     

    The announcement reflects a careful mix of continuity and adjustment, as the national team continues to refine its identity under head coach Tim Cone while navigating roster gaps and emerging talent.

     

    One of the most notable inclusions is rising guard Juan Gomez de Liaño of the Converge FiberXers, who earned a spot after joining training camp to help stabilize a pool temporarily thinned by injuries and availability concerns. His selection signals the program’s openness to reinforcements capable of quickly adapting to the system.

     

    Gomez de Liaño’s addition comes as Gilas continues to operate without star center Kai Sotto, forcing the coaching staff to redistribute responsibilities across both the frontcourt and perimeter rotations.

     

    Young core pieces AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Carl Tamayo remain integral to the squad’s long-term structure, continuing their transition from developmental prospects into consistent international contributors.

     

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    Inside the paint, veteran presence becomes even more critical. With Japeth Aguilar no longer part of the national setup, Gilas will rely heavily on the experience and size of June Mar Fajardo and Quentin Millora-Brown to anchor the interior against physically imposing opponents.

     

    Naturalized star Justin Brownlee is likewise expected to carry a significant offensive and leadership load, continuing his role as the team’s stabilizing force in high-pressure international games.

     

    Completing the roster are veteran guards and wings Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, and Scottie Thompson, whose familiarity with Cone’s system provides continuity in both execution and defensive structure.

     

    Meanwhile, notable names left out of the Final 12 include RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, and Troy Rosario, underscoring the increasingly competitive depth within the national pool.

     

    The Philippines enters the second window carrying momentum after opening the qualifiers with a 2-0 record in Group A. That early success now sets the stage for a tougher challenge, as Gilas prepares to host the New Zealand men’s national basketball team and the Australia men’s national basketball team in back-to-back games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    More than just maintaining its unbeaten record, the newly finalized lineup reflects Gilas’ evolving approach—balancing system familiarity, positional needs, and the steady integration of new pieces as the road to the World Cup continues.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas eyes second-round berth in FIBA World Cup qualifiers against New Zealand Tall Blacks

    Gilas Pilipinas eyes second-round berth in FIBA World Cup qualifiers against New Zealand Tall Blacks

    Momentum meets urgency when Gilas Pilipinas takes the floor against the New Zealand Tall Blacks in the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Thursday in Pasay City.

     

    Riding the confidence of a 2-0 start after dominant wins over Guam national basketball team last November, the Philippines has positioned itself for an early passage to the second round. A victory on the opening day of the new window would secure that objective outright, giving head coach Tim Cone and his squad an important cushion heading into the tougher stretch of qualifiers.

     

    New Zealand, meanwhile, enters still searching for its first win after absorbing two losses against regional powerhouse Australia men’s national basketball team.

     

    Recent head-to-head meetings show the challenge awaiting Gilas. New Zealand has won six of the last seven matchups between the two programs, including multiple victories during previous World Cup qualifying cycles. Their physical style and disciplined execution have historically posed problems for the Philippines, particularly in interior defense and transition play.

     

    Still, Gilas has already proven it can overturn history.

     

    During the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in 2024, the Filipinos stunned the Tall Blacks with a thrilling 93-89 victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, marking their first win over New Zealand in a major FIBA tournament setting.

     

    With the rematch again set on home soil, the Philippines will look to recreate that same energy.

    One major difference from that breakthrough win is the absence of Kai Sotto, who continues his return from an ACL injury. The 7-foot-3 center dominated the paint in that upset performance, and his presence remains difficult to replace as he powered Gilas with a near triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

     

    In his absence, frontcourt duties shifted to Quentin Millora-Brown who led Gilas in rebounds in the first window of the qualifiers with 9.5 per game and AJ Edu who in return leads the team in blocks with almost two per game, both big men are tasked with matching the size and physicality of New Zealand’s interior rotation led by Sam Mennenga.

     

    Rebounding and rim protection are expected to play a decisive role, especially against a Tall Blacks squad known for its structured half-court offense.

     

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    The guard matchup also shapes up as a critical factor, as veterans Chris Newsome and Scottie Thompson are expected to anchor playmaking and  perimeter defense against New Zealand playmaker Taylor Britt, who orchestrated the offense effectively in their last meeting. 

     

    Wing scoring remains another concern after Jordan Ngatai erupted for a strong performance in the teams’ previous clash. Defensive assignments could fall heavily on Dwight Ramos, whose versatility will be key in slowing New Zealand’s perimeter attack.

     

    Both squads may also feature new or returning pieces that could influence rotations.

    For Gilas, returnees Juan Gomez de Liano and Justine Baltazar provide additional depth and flexibility, while New Zealand could introduce first-time call-up Keanu Rasmussen.

     

    These potential additions bring unpredictability to a matchup already layered with playoff-level stakes.

     

    Beyond the immediate goal of qualification, the game represents a measuring stick for Gilas as it continues to build chemistry under Cone’s system. A win would not only secure advancement but also reinforce the team’s ability to compete against Oceania’s physical style—an area that has historically challenged Philippine squads.

     

    With a packed home crowd expected once again in Pasay, Gilas Pilipinas gets another opportunity to turn momentum into progress—and possibly reshape its recent history against the Tall Blacks.

     

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  • Quentin Millora-Brown gaining rhythm with Gilas Pilipinas ahead of FIBA qualifiers 

    Quentin Millora-Brown gaining rhythm with Gilas Pilipinas ahead of FIBA qualifiers 

    A deeper understanding of his role is beginning to shape Quentin Millora-Brown into a more confident presence for Gilas Pilipinas as the team prepares for the next phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    After entering the national program on short notice in the previous window, Millora-Brown now arrives with greater familiarity and a clearer sense of purpose. 


    The big man is expected to reinforce the Philippines’ interior defense and rebounding in upcoming matchups against New Zealand men’s national basketball team and Australia men’s national basketball team, two teams known for their size and physical style.

     

    Millora-Brown joined the national pool late in the previous cycle after a last-minute arrangement between the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and his camp, leaving him little time to fully absorb the system. With more preparation now under his belt, he believes the adjustment period is behind him.

     

    “I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable with the system, with the way we want to play, that just last window obviously still new, still trying to figure it all out but this window I feel a lot more confident in how I would fit in, how I’m going to play,” said Millora-Brown in an interview posted by SBP on its Facebook page.

     

    His first taste of international play came in two wins against the Guam men’s national basketball team, but the challenge level rises significantly this time with two Oceania powerhouses on the schedule.

     

    For Millora-Brown, the assignment is straightforward: bring size, strength, and physicality to match the opposition’s frontlines.

     

    “The size will be different. That’s the one thing I bring. You can’t train size. So, just being big and strong and physical with those guys because Australia and New Zealand are two crazy big teams,” said QMB.

     

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    “I think (that’s what I’ll be) bringing and honestly, just have fun. You just need to have fun and everything takes care of itself,” he added.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout emphasized that beyond size, discipline will ultimately determine whether Gilas can compete at a high level. He pointed to rebounding and ball security as the foundation for staying in rhythm against teams that thrive on forcing mistakes.

     

    “That (rebounding) and protecting the ball,” said Millora-Brown. “They’re going to be pressing, they’re going to be up on the rebounds, making sure we don’t turn the ball over because that’s what they want to do.

     

    “They want to speed us up, get us out of our rhythm. Those two things I think are vital for us to come out with a win but also make sure none of us have too much pressure on ourselves.

    “When you play tight, you don’t have fun, you don’t play well, you make mistakes.”

     

    With a clearer role and growing chemistry within the system, Millora-Brown now steps into the qualifiers not just as a newcomer adjusting to the international stage—but as a developing anchor expected to help Gilas hold its ground inside.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao motivated by possible Gilas reunion with La Salle teammate Mike Phillips 

    Kevin Quiambao motivated by possible Gilas reunion with La Salle teammate Mike Phillips 

    For Kevin Quiambao, last weekend’s news wasn’t just another roster update—it felt like the next chapter of a journey that began years earlier in college.

     

    Barely a day after returning to the Philippines, Quiambao learned that his former De La Salle University teammate Mike Phillips had officially been granted local status by FIBA, a development that could finally open the door for the two high-energy forwards to share the floor again—this time for the national team.

     

    Having played together from Seasons 85 to 87 of the UAAP, Quiambao knows exactly what Phillips—popularly known as “Motor Mike”—brings to any lineup.

     

    “I think it was a very, very big and great help sa program ng Gilas, especially nakasama ko siya sa La Salle. I know kung gaano niya matutulungan yung team at alam ko kung paano niya ibibigay yung best niya every time,” Quiambao told Tiebreaker Times.

     

    “He’s always 100-percent, hindi nga 100-percent, 1,000-percent lagi yan pag naglalaro sa basketball court. Yung energy at yung hustle niya, I’m so excited.”

     

    During their collegiate run, the Green Archers built a winning identity anchored on activity and versatility—an approach that culminated in two Finals appearances and a championship in Season 86. Quiambao dominated that title campaign, earning both Regular Season and Finals MVP honors.

     

    Their paths toward the national program began to take shape during that same stretch.

     

    Quiambao became part of the Gilas pool, while Phillips suited up for the Philippine squad that captured gold in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. Despite representing different national team lineups, both carried the same long-term vision.

     

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    “Siya, naging eligible sa SEA Games at ako sa FIBA. That time, hindi kami nagkakausap about Gilas kasi focus kami nun to get the championship sa La Salle,” Quiambao recalled.

     

    “Yung dream ko rin sa sarili ko na makakampi siya sa Gilas, siguro matutupad naman sa next window sa July. Sana, sana.”

     

    Now, with Phillips’ eligibility clarified, that possibility suddenly feels closer to reality. While the reunion storyline builds excitement, Quiambao remains focused on the immediate task: helping Gilas Pilipinas in Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

     

    The Philippines is set for a tough home stand against the New Zealand national basketball team on Thursday and the Australia men’s national basketball team on Sunday—two programs long known for their physical and disciplined style.

     

    Over the past year, Quiambao has steadily carved out a larger role under head coach Tim Cone, showing his adaptability as a modern forward capable of scoring, facilitating, and defending multiple positions.

     

    His consistent production across recent tournaments—including solid performances in the Asia Cup cycle and the previous window against Guam—has strengthened his place in the rotation.

     

    Still, the 24-year-old forward, who also plays professionally for Goyang Sono Skygunners, embraces the pressure that comes with growing responsibility.

     

    “Gusto ko lagi na may parang pressure sa sarili ko kasi doon mo maabot yung pinaka-top level ng game mo,” said Quiambao.

     

    “Pero challenge siguro is how to keep up kung ano yung ginagawa ko sa Gilas. And as a young guy, magiging sponge lang ako kung ano yung male-learn ko sa veterans namin.”

     

    For Quiambao, the equation is simple: handle the present, and the future—perhaps alongside a familiar teammate—will follow.

     

     

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  • Dwight Ramos sees size boost, scouting edge for Gilas in tough qualifier window

    Dwight Ramos sees size boost, scouting edge for Gilas in tough qualifier window

    Facing two of the most physically imposing teams in the region, Gilas Pilipinas is approaching the next stretch of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with renewed optimism—not just because of roster updates, but because of growing familiarity with their opponents.

    For guard Dwight Ramos, preparation isn’t only about game plans. It’s about matchups, experience, and finally having enough size to compete inside.

     

    The looming clashes against New Zealand Tall Blacks and Australia Boomers had raised concerns for the Philippines, especially amid uncertainty surrounding the availability of towering big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown.

     

    With Millora-Brown confirming his participation, the outlook inside the Gilas camp shifted—particularly for Ramos, who understands how crucial interior presence will be against bigger frontlines.

     

    “I think it’s very helpful because the two teams we’re playing against are big teams and obviously a big dude like QMB can help,” Ramos said. 

     

    Instead of feeling burdened by expectations, Ramos views the situation differently. Against higher-ranked and more physical opponents, the pressure—at least competitively—leans the other way.

     

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    “I’m pretty sure most people expect us to lose so we don’t have much pressure on us,” Ramos said. “The only pressure is we’re playing at home in front of everybody but in terms of the game, we’re gonna come out there and play our best and then see what happens.”

     

    What strengthens Ramos’ confidence even more is his overseas experience in the B.League, where he regularly competes against players who also suit up for both New Zealand and Australia. That exposure gives him a clearer read on tendencies and playing styles heading into the qualifiers.

     

    “I’ve played against a bunch of the New Zealand guys in Japan. The Australian team has some Japan-based players there so I know a couple of the guys already. I’ve played against them, so that’s what helped me out a little bit,” he shared.

     

    Beyond scouting and roster adjustments, Ramos emphasized one factor that cannot be simulated in training—the energy of the home crowd.

     

    “It’s very helpful. Every shot we go in, it feels like we’ve made like 10 shots already. It just takes one so that’s what the home crowd does for us.”

     

    With size concerns easing and familiarity working in their favor, Gilas enters the crucial window leaning on preparation, perspective, and the advantage of playing on home soil.

     

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  • Kai Sotto’s decision looms as Gilas awaits final word for FIBA World Cup qualifiers

    Kai Sotto’s decision looms as Gilas awaits final word for FIBA World Cup qualifiers

    As the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers draws near, the conversation around Gilas Pilipinas centers on one towering figure: Kai Sotto.

     

    At 7-foot-3, Sotto’s presence would instantly change the complexion of Gilas’ upcoming home games against the New Zealand Tall Blacks and the Australia men’s national basketball team. But while much of the speculation has pointed to club restrictions, sources insist the situation is more nuanced—and far less controversial than initially portrayed.

     

    Contrary to earlier reports, Sotto’s B.League team, the Koshigaya Alphas, has already given him the green light to represent the Philippines.

     

    “Like QMB, he got a go-signal from his club (Koshigaya Alphas) to suit up for Gilas,” a source said on condition of anonymity.

     

    The clarification matters. Reports suggesting that Koshigaya withheld permission—particularly with Sotto recently returning from ACL surgery—did not sit well with the Japanese club’s management. Sources said Alphas officials even reached out to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to reiterate their willingness to release the Filipino center.

     

    The club also reportedly contacted Sotto’s representation, East West, to determine how their organization became linked to the narrative that they were blocking his participation.

    So if not the club, what is holding things back?

     

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    Insiders point to timing and opportunity. Sotto is said to be in consideration for a potential short-term NBA deal—an opportunity that could materialize before or during the qualifier window. With that possibility on the horizon, his camp is believed to be weighing the risks of immediate national team play versus preserving his health and availability for a breakthrough at the highest level.

     

    For Gilas, the stakes are clear. The Philippines will be facing bigger, more physical squads, making Sotto’s size and rim protection a valuable asset. Teammates have acknowledged the importance of frontcourt depth, especially against traditionally tall lineups like New Zealand and Australia.

    Training camp preparations continue, but Sotto’s status remains the final domino.

     

    His club has stepped aside. The federation is waiting. The fans are watching.

    Now, the decision rests on whether national duty aligns with career timing—and whether Gilas will have its tallest pillar when the qualifiers tip off.

     

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  • Quentin Millora-Brown, Kai Sotto lock in for Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA qualifiers push

    Quentin Millora-Brown, Kai Sotto lock in for Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA qualifiers push

    With the calendar tightening and the stakes rising, Gilas Pilipinas has finally secured the last two commitments needed to stabilize its rotation for the next phase of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The national program received a major boost after Quentin Millora-Brown formally pledged his availability for Window 2, signaling that the team’s frontcourt structure is beginning to take shape just in time for the crucial home stand.

     

    His commitment follows days of negotiations between his camp and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, primarily centered on contractual details required for insurance coverage and official club release during international windows.

     

    The update was first reported by Homer Sayson and later confirmed by Gilas head coach Tim Cone.

     

    “We’re hearing from the SBP that he might arrive tomorrow,” Cone said in a text message.

    Millora-Brown, currently playing for Chiba in Japan, quietly made an impact during the first qualifying window, averaging 7.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks against Guam. His rebounding presence and defensive length immediately addressed one of the team’s most pressing needs—interior stability.

     

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    His arrival also deepens a frontcourt rotation that already includes AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, and Justin Brownlee, giving Cone flexibility depending on matchups against bigger international lineups.

     

    Gilas will host New Zealand on February 26 and Australia on March 1. While Millora-Brown strengthens the immediate window, another major piece has been mapped out for the longer stretch.

     

    Sources confirmed that Kai Sotto has committed to rejoin the national team beginning Window 3 in July, marking his official return to Gilas competition after recovering from an ACL injury.

     

    Sotto last played for the national squad during the 2025 Asia Cup Qualifiers and is currently working his way back into full form with Koshigaya in Japan. The 7-foot-3 center is averaging 11.1 points and 9.3 rebounds across eight games since returning to action, though his club continues to carefully manage his minutes.

     

    Rather than rushing his comeback, Gilas and Sotto’s camp appear aligned on a gradual reintegration strategy—one that prioritizes long-term availability over short-term risk.

     

    Even so, Sotto is expected to be present during the current window for team viewings and system refreshers, ensuring he remains connected to Cone’s structure ahead of the July road games.

    With Millora-Brown locked in for Window 2 and Sotto penciled in for Window 3, the national pool now carries clearer continuity—something Gilas has been working toward since the start of the new Olympic cycle.

     

    For Cone, the focus now shifts from assembling talent to refining chemistry, as the Philippines looks to maintain its unbeaten start in Pool A while preparing for tougher tests ahead in the qualifiers.

     

    The pieces are finally falling into place. Now comes the harder part—turning a deep pool into a consistent winning rotation.

     

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  • Gilas gets to work despite missing Kai Sotto, Jamie Malonzo, and Quentin Millora-Brown 

    Gilas gets to work despite missing Kai Sotto, Jamie Malonzo, and Quentin Millora-Brown 

    The first day of camp wasn’t about who wasn’t there. It was about who showed up.

     

    At Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, Gilas Pilipinas opened preparations for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a group that looked smaller than expected — but deliberate.

     

    Nine pool players hit the floor Tuesday, setting the tone for a five-day buildup ahead of crucial home games against New Zealand on February 27 and Australia on March 1. 

     

    Dwight Ramos flew in from Hokkaido just a night earlier and immediately joined holdovers Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, and RJ Abarrientos. Also in uniform were Juan Gomez de Liano and Justine Baltazar, both eager to solidify their spots in a competitive rotation.

     

    The early sessions carried a familiar rhythm. Much of the core remains intact, and that continuity matters for a team that has already built momentum with a 2-0 record in Pool A.

     

    Still, this window comes with visible absences.

     

    Quentin Millora-Brown remains out as discussions between his camp and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas continue, with no finalized national team contract in place. Kai Sotto, currently playing in Japan with Koshigaya, is still regaining full strength after an ACL tear last year. Jamie Malonzo, the hero of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, will also sit out this stretch.

     

    “Jamie is in the States and was not available. We did invite him, but he hopes to join the next window,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone said. 

     

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    Rather than scrambling, the coaching staff appears to be leaning into flexibility. AJ Edu is expected to reinforce the squad later this week, along with KBL standouts Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo. Their arrival should inject additional size and versatility into Cone’s system.

     

    Interestingly, even those outside the official 16-man pool have been folded into the program. Troy Rosario is present despite not being listed for this window, while Far Eastern University’s American student-athlete Montell Shelton has been tapped as a practice player — a move that ensures competitive reps without overextending the rotation.

     

    Because of the current numbers, Cone will only need to trim one name before finalizing the lineup for the two home assignments. That relative stability offers a contrast to past windows, where last-minute changes and availability issues often forced significant adjustments.

     

    This time, the story feels different.

    The foundation is largely in place. The chemistry is familiar. The urgency is clear.

     

    Gilas isn’t at full strength — not yet. But with a spotless 2-0 slate and two high-level opponents looming, the focus inside Inspire isn’t on who’s missing.

     

    It’s on protecting home court and proving that continuity, even in limited numbers, can be enough.

     

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  • June Mar Fajado ready to step up for Gilas in the absence of key players in crucial FIBA Asian Qualifiers window

    June Mar Fajado ready to step up for Gilas in the absence of key players in crucial FIBA Asian Qualifiers window

    The second window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is upon us, and Gilas Pilipinas is looking to build on a strong opening stretch as it continues its bid for a spot in the main draw of the global showpiece.

     

    The Philippines got off to a perfect start in Group A during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten. However, sterner tests await as Gilas prepares to face regional heavyweights in the upcoming set of fixtures — this time against Oceania powers Australia national basketball team and New Zealand national basketball team.

     

    Complicating matters for the national squad is the absence of key frontcourt pieces. Young big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown have both confirmed their non-availability for the two home games, leaving a significant void in size, rim protection, and interior scoring.

     

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    With two primary centers sidelined, the responsibility now shifts squarely onto the shoulders of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) cornerstone June Mar Fajardo. The multi-time PBA Most Valuable Player enters the window riding high after leading the San Miguel Beermen to the Philippine Cup title, once again reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most dominant forces.

     

    Fajardo acknowledged that the absence of Sotto and Millora-Brown presents a major challenge, particularly against taller and more physical opponents such as Australia and New Zealand, both known for their depth and size across all positions. Still, the veteran center emphasized preparation and collective effort as Gilas’ path forward.

     

    “Of course, we are preparing for our game in the upcoming window. For sure, it won’t be easy for us. It’s going to be tough. No easy games against them. But what we can do is to play our best to win,” Mar Fajardo said in a media interaction.

    The Philippines’ 2-0 record in the first window came at the expense of Guam, but the upcoming assignments represent a significant step up in competition. Australia, a consistent force in FIBA competitions and an Olympic-level program, brings a blend of NBA and high-level professional talent. New Zealand, meanwhile, has long been a disciplined and physical side capable of punishing lapses on both ends of the floor.

     

    “They are tough opponents. We know how strong they are and it won’t be easy playing them. But we are here, so we have to prepare and do all the necessary action plans and practices. We have to take this seriously and do what we need to do,” he added.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone will be tasked with recalibrating the rotation, particularly in the frontcourt, as Gilas seeks to compensate for its missing size. Expect adjustments in defensive schemes, quicker rotations, and perhaps a more perimeter-oriented attack to offset any mismatches inside.

     

    One significant advantage for Gilas is homecourt support. Both games will be staged at the Mall of Asia Arena, where the national team traditionally draws passionate crowds. The energy of the Filipino faithful has often served as a sixth man, especially in high-stakes international fixtures.

     

    “We are confident we can win because we are in our homecourt. Our fans and kababayans will be there to give us extra boost for sure,” he continued.

     

    Beyond tactical adjustments, Fajardo’s personal condition will be closely monitored. The 6-foot-10 center battled shoulder and knee concerns during San Miguel’s championship run, raising questions about workload management heading into a physically demanding international window.

     

    “I’m trying to get as much rest as I can. It’s back to training for me and I’m trying to stay sharp. It’s okay now. I’m doing some therapy and it’s okay,” Mar Fajardo concluded.

     

    Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand on Thursday, February 28, before facing Australia on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could shape the trajectory of its qualification campaign. With key absences, heightened competition, and national pride at stake, the Philippines will need resilience, execution, and leadership — particularly from Fajardo — to protect its unbeaten record and strengthen its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

     

     

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  • Gilas awaits Kai Sotto’s status for crucial home games

    Gilas awaits Kai Sotto’s status for crucial home games

    For Gilas Pilipinas, Kai Sotto has long been more than just a centerpiece — he has been a matchup problem, a safety net, and, in Tim Cone’s own words, a luxury.

     

    Now, that luxury may not be available.

     

    As the Philippines gears up for a critical FIBA World Cup Qualifiers window at Mall of Asia Arena, uncertainty surrounds Sotto’s participation in home games against New Zealand on February 26 and Australia on March 1. Fresh off an ACL recovery and a recent ankle scare in his return to action, the 7-foot-3 anchor’s health remains the biggest question hovering over Gilas’ preparations.

     

    “Too early to tell at this point,” Cone told the Inquirer when asked if Sotto’s potential absence could impact the team’s buildup.

     

    Originally, this window was supposed to mark Sotto’s full-circle return to the national squad after missing most of 2025 due to the knee injury he sustained while playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League. Instead, Gilas may once again find itself recalibrating without its towering presence.

     

    The timing couldn’t be more delicate.

     

    The Philippines is coming off dominant wins over Guam in the first window, but the level of competition now rises sharply. New Zealand and Australia are not only regional heavyweights — they are teams that handed Gilas painful defeats in last year’s FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah. The Tall Blacks outclassed the Filipinos in group play, while the Boomers dismantled them in the quarterfinals.

     

    Sotto was instrumental the last time Gilas tasted victory over New Zealand. On November 21, 2024, he delivered 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks in a historic 93-89 win — the Philippines’ first-ever triumph over the Tall Blacks in a FIBA-sanctioned match. 

     

    Across four Asia Cup Qualifiers games, he averaged 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists, emerging as one of the team’s top offensive options behind Justin Brownlee and Dwight Ramos.

     

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    With Kai Sotto’s availability uncertain, Gilas Pilipinas prepares for crucial home games against New Zealand and Australia, as Tim Cone vows the team’s winning mindset remains unchanged.

    Removing that production leaves a noticeable void — particularly against physically imposing squads like New Zealand and Australia.

     

    Still, Cone is careful not to frame Sotto’s situation as a crisis.

     

    “We are so much better if he is healthy and can join us,” said Cone. “But we are ready to play and win without him, if necessary.”

     

    The message is clear: the system must hold, with or without its tallest pillar.

     

    Cone has also emphasized patience. Rushing Sotto back, especially after major knee surgery, is not part of the long-term plan.

     

    “Hopefully, getting Kai back and reintegrating him back into the lineup will be our most pressing goal,” Cone said, as quoted in a news article posted on the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas website.

     

    In the meantime, Gilas prepares for its toughest home stand yet — one that could shape its qualification path and redefine its identity. With Sotto, the team gains length, rim protection, and offensive versatility. Without him, it leans heavier on chemistry, execution, and collective resilience.

     

    Either way, the challenge remains the same: defend home court against Oceania’s best.

    And prove that Gilas is more than just one towering advantage.

     

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