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Tag: FIBA

  • Dylan Harper ineligible to play as Gilas local, SBP clarifies passport issue 

    Dylan Harper ineligible to play as Gilas local, SBP clarifies passport issue 

    The dream of seeing NBA rookie Dylan Harper suit up for Gilas Pilipinas as a local player has hit a major roadblock.

     

    Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy confirmed that the San Antonio Spurs guard is not eligible to represent the Philippines as a local player because he did not obtain a Philippine passport before his 18th birthday — a key requirement under FIBA eligibility rules.

     

    The clarification also applies to Dylan’s older brother, Ron Harper Jr., who is currently with the Boston Celtics organization.

     

    According to Dy, the Harper family had previously expressed interest in exploring the possibility of representing Gilas Pilipinas, but by the time discussions took place, Dylan had already exceeded the age requirement.

     

    “To begin with, I don’t believe si Dylan has a passport already. Although they’ve reached out, I think, two years ago nung nasa Las Vegas kami ni coach Norman [Black] asking about eligibility,” Dy shared during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

     

    “But he was already 18 at that time or 19. And wala pa pala silang passport.”

     

    Under FIBA regulations, players with multiple nationalities must secure the passport of the country they intend to represent before turning 16, with eligibility considerations extending before they reach 18. Since Dylan failed to meet that requirement, he cannot be classified as a local player for the Philippines in international competitions.

     

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    The development closes the door on one of the country’s most intriguing basketball possibilities.

    Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and Filipina Maria Pizarro Harper of Bataan, has emerged as one of basketball’s brightest young talents after being selected No. 2 overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft.

     

    His older brother, Ron Jr., has likewise climbed to the NBA level after earning a spot with the Boston Celtics.

     

    Despite their Filipino heritage, both brothers would only be eligible under different FIBA provisions, not as local players.

     

    “So definitely, yung magkapatid, they won’t be eligible as a local kung maglalaro sa Gilas yan,” Dy said.

     

    While Dylan Harper’s path to becoming a Gilas local has officially been ruled out, the clarification provides a definitive answer to one of Philippine basketball’s most frequently discussed eligibility questions.

     

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  • SBP confident long Gilas stint can strengthen squad for FIBA, Asian Games campaigns

    SBP confident long Gilas stint can strengthen squad for FIBA, Asian Games campaigns

    With the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers immediately followed by the 2026 Asian Games, the national team is set to spend more than a month together—a stretch Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy believes could strengthen the squad heading into two major international competitions.


    “It’s a good development for us that the Asian Games will happen almost immediately after the (FIBA) windows,” Dy said.

     

    The extended campaign begins with Gilas assembling for training in the Philippines once the PBA Governors’ Cup pauses on Aug. 15. After more than two weeks of preparation, the team will head to South Korea for a pair of tune-up games before flying directly to Japan for the Asian Games.

     

    “We leave for Korea on September 3 because we will be playing friendlies against the Korean national team on the 4th and 6th,” said the SBP executive on the sidelines of the Hustle 5: EASL Future Champions championship game between Cebu and Macau.

     

    “Tapos on the 7th, diretso na tayo sa Asian Games.”

     

    This year’s schedule offers little downtime. Unlike previous editions where other sports opened the competition, men’s basketball will be among the first events to begin even before the official opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Japan, marking the tournament’s return to the country since Hiroshima hosted the event in 1994.

     

    “Basketball in the Asian Games will start earlier than the opening ceremony itself. So September 10 to 20 ang men’s basketball,” said Dy.

     

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    “Diretso tayo halos isang buwan or even more than a month na magkakasama yung mga players natin,” she added.

     

    Before shifting its focus to the Asian Games, Gilas faces crucial business in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The Philippines hosts Jordan on Aug. 28 and Iran on Aug. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena as the second round gets underway.

     

    The Nationals enter the next phase looking to recover from back-to-back losses to New Zealand and Australia in the third qualifying window earlier this month. Those defeats left Gilas tied with Syria for fifth place in Group E with a 2-4 record.

     

    Australia remains unbeaten atop the standings at 6-0, while Iran and Jordan share second place with identical 5-1 slates. New Zealand sits fourth at 4-2.

     

    The compressed schedule also leaves room for adjustments in the national team roster. Because eligibility rules differ between FIBA competitions and the Asian Games, some changes are expected, although Dy emphasized that the foundation of the squad will remain largely the same.

     

    “There might be a few changes, but the core of the team should be intact. Those who weren’t eligible in Fiba competition as a local, we can consider them to play for the Asian Games,” she said. 

     

    Maintaining that continuity could prove valuable as Gilas attempts to improve its standing in the World Cup qualifiers before turning its attention to another chance at regional success in the Asian Games, where an extended period together may become one of the team’s biggest advantages.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao questions PBA’s shift to FIBA rules despite support for Gilas

    Yeng Guiao questions PBA’s shift to FIBA rules despite support for Gilas

    Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao believes the PBA’s transition toward FIBA rules could benefit Philippine basketball in the long run, but not without a few growing pains.

     

    As the league continues aligning its rulebook more closely with international standards ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, the veteran mentor acknowledged the intention behind the changes while pointing out several areas he believes still need refinement.

     

    For Guiao, adapting to the new system will take time—not just for players, but for coaches, officials, and teams as a whole.

     

    “Fiba rules are okay, but I think it may take some time for teams to get used to it,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said. “I still think there are PBA rules that can still improve the game. But I guess the PBA is trying to help our national team by leaning towards Fiba rules.

     

    “But there’s no perfect system. We know that some of the PBA rules are lacking by themselves and the same can be said with Fiba rules,” added the outspoken mentor.

     

    Rather than criticizing the league’s decision outright, Guiao recognized the PBA’s effort to better prepare Filipino players for international competition, where FIBA regulations have long been the standard.

     

    Still, one particular change stood out for the longtime coach—the revised Challenge System.

     

    Under the new guidelines, teams are now limited to a single coach’s challenge regardless of whether the original challenge is successful. Previously, coaches who won a challenge were rewarded with another opportunity later in the game.

     

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    Guiao believes the revised rule reduces a coach’s ability to correct crucial officiating errors, especially during tightly contested matches.

     

    He also took issue with another limitation carried over from FIBA rules: the inability to directly challenge foul calls.

     

    “You cannot challenge the fouls,” he said. “You can only challenge whether it would be upgraded or downgraded. So the leverage goes back to the referees. If the referees make a mistake, you cannot do anything about it. Unlike before, as a coach, you can have a remedy.”

     

    For Guiao, the concern is less about resisting change and more about preserving coaches’ ability to seek corrections when critical mistakes occur.

     

    As the PBA embraces a rulebook that mirrors the international game, coaches and teams are expected to adjust throughout the conference. But if Guiao’s observations are any indication, the transition could also spark continued discussions on whether every aspect of the FIBA system is the best fit for the country’s professional league.

     

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  • Gilas Women surge nine spots to World No. 30 after breakthrough FIBA run

    Gilas Women surge nine spots to World No. 30 after breakthrough FIBA run

    Momentum rarely shows up instantly in the rankings—but for the Gilas Pilipinas Women, it finally did.

     

    Days after securing a long-awaited breakthrough on the global stage, the Filipinas were rewarded with a significant leap in the latest FIBA women’s world rankings, climbing nine places to No. 30. It marks a clear shift from where they stood just months ago, when they were ranked 39th heading into the latter half of 2025.

     

    The jump was anchored on a single, defining moment—one that resonated beyond the final buzzer.

     

    Their 74-59 victory over the Colombia Women’s National Basketball Team not only secured a win in their debut appearance at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, but also signaled that the Philippines could compete—and win—against teams outside its traditional sphere.

     

    That result stood out even more considering the level of competition the team faced throughout the tournament. Competing in the France qualifiers, Gilas battled seasoned programs and ultimately finished fifth, a placement that underscored both the difficulty of the field and the significance of their lone victory.

     

    While the climb to No. 30 reflects recent gains, it also places the Philippines in a stronger regional and continental context. The team now stands as the top-ranked squad in Southeast Asia and sixth overall in Asia, trailing only established powers such as Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

     

    At the very top of the global ladder, the United States Women’s National Basketball Team continues to hold firm at No. 1, followed by France, Australia, China, and Belgium, with Spain, Canada, Nigeria, Brazil, and Japan completing the top 10.

     

    For Gilas Women, however, the latest rankings are less about comparison and more about confirmation. Their rise didn’t come out of nowhere. Just months earlier, the Filipinas swept through the Southeast Asian Games, reaffirming their dominance in the region. This time, though, the progress extended beyond Southeast Asia—into a global setting where every possession is harder earned.

     

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    And there is little time to celebrate, the calendar ahead ensures that the Filipinas cannot afford to slow down, with the 2026 Asian Games set to begin on September 19. 

     

    Reinforcements are expected to boost the squad for that campaign, with key mainstays Jackie Animam and Naomi Panganiban who were the Filipinas’ leading scorers in their FIBA Asia Cup campaign are projected to be available during the tournament window. 

     

    Their return could provide much-needed experience and stability as the team looks to translate its growing confidence into results on another major stage.

     

    Beyond that, an even bigger responsibility looms. Gilas Women is set to defend home court when it hosts the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Manila next year—a rare opportunity to showcase its progress in front of a home crowd while competing against the continent’s elite.

     

    With a rising ranking, a breakthrough win, and a packed international schedule ahead, the Filipinas are no longer just chasing progress. They are now expected to sustain it.

     

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  •  Gilas Pilipinas holds No. 36 in FIBA rankings despite tough World Cup Qualifier window

     Gilas Pilipinas holds No. 36 in FIBA rankings despite tough World Cup Qualifier window

    The recent home stand of Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers may not have produced the results the team hoped for, but it did little to shake their position in the global rankings.

     

    Despite back-to-back defeats against two of Oceania’s basketball powerhouses, the Philippines remained at No. 36 in the latest FIBA world rankings released on March 3.

     

    Gilas endured a difficult second window in front of the home crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena, falling just short in a tight battle with New Zealand before suffering a lopsided loss to Australia days later.

     

    The Nationals were first dealt a heartbreaking 69-66 defeat by the Tall Blacks last Thursday, where the Filipinos stayed within striking distance throughout but ultimately could not close the gap in the final moments.

     

    Things became even tougher on Sunday as Australia asserted its depth and firepower, handing Gilas a 93-66 loss to cap the window.

     

    Even with the setbacks, the Philippines maintained its No. 36 ranking — the same position it climbed to in December 2025 following dominant victories against Guam in the previous qualifying window.

     

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    The latest update also saw minimal movement among Asia’s top basketball nations.

    Australia remained the highest-ranked team in the region, holding steady at No. 6 in the world, while Japan stayed firm at No. 22.

     

    New Zealand, meanwhile, edged up one spot to No. 24 after its recent performances, while China climbed to No. 26 in the rankings. Iran slipped slightly to No. 28.

     

    Lebanon, despite an emphatic 94-64 win over Saudi Arabia, dropped to No. 33 after its second scheduled game against India was postponed amid tensions in the Middle East.

     

    With the second window now in the books, Gilas Pilipinas will shift its focus to the third window of the qualifiers in July, where the Filipinos are set for another showdown against both Australia and New Zealand.

     

    The upcoming matches could provide the Nationals another opportunity not only to bounce back on the court but also to improve their standing in the world rankings.

     

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  • 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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  • 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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  • Mike Phillips cleared as local by FIBA, boosts Gilas depth for future campaigns

    Mike Phillips cleared as local by FIBA, boosts Gilas depth for future campaigns

    A long-awaited eligibility breakthrough has finally arrived for Philippine basketball, as Mike Phillips is now officially cleared to represent Gilas Pilipinas without restrictions in all tournaments sanctioned by FIBA.

     

    The decision, announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, reshapes the national team’s long-term roster outlook by adding another versatile forward to the local player pool rather than occupying the lone naturalized slot.

     

    For years, Phillips’ eligibility status hovered in uncertainty despite his growing résumé in Philippine basketball. His athleticism and defensive presence had already made him a key figure for the De La Salle Green Archers, where he captured Finals MVP honors during their UAAP championship run. 

     

    However, international participation remained complicated after he was previously categorized as a naturalized player—an issue that even prevented him from suiting up in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games follow-up campaign hosted in Thailand.

     

    That classification has now been resolved, SBP officials acknowledged FIBA’s quick response in granting the reclassification, calling it a crucial step in strengthening the national program’s depth as it continues to balance youth development and international competitiveness.

     

    Phillips becomes the latest Fil-Am player to gain unrestricted status, following the recent case of Quentin Millora-Brown. Similar rulings in previous years also benefited players like Chris Newsome and Greg Slaughter, signaling a broader shift in how eligibility cases tied to Philippine heritage are being evaluated.

     

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    For Phillips, the decision carries emotional weight beyond roster flexibility,”handa na po akong lumaban para sa ating bansa! Ibibigay ko lahat ng kaya ko at ng buong puso ko!” he said in a statement. “I cannot wait to compete alongside my fellow Filipinos as we continue pushing Philippine basketball forward.”

     

    He also emphasized the significance of finally achieving a longtime personal goal.”It’s a blessing and a huge honor to actually be eligible to represent the Philippines. The opportunity to play for the national team is a longtime dream and an answered prayer,” he said.

     

    “I’m beyond grateful to FIBA, the SBP, and everyone who supported this process.”

     

    The timing could prove pivotal for Gilas, especially under head coach Tim Cone, whose system relies heavily on versatility, switching defense, and high-motor forwards—areas where Phillips has consistently thrived.

     

    With his eligibility questions now settled, Phillips shifts from being a future option to an immediate asset, giving Gilas another energetic piece as it continues building toward upcoming continental and global competitions. 

     

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  • Adam Silver confirms NBA–FIBA plans for new European league

    Adam Silver confirms NBA–FIBA plans for new European league

    NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed on Thursday, January 15, that the league is moving forward with an ambitious plan—together with FIBA—to launch a new professional basketball league in Europe, signaling a major shift in the global structure of the sport.

     

    Silver made the announcement during the NBA’s showcase games in Berlin, a city steeped in basketball history. Although he did not reveal a definitive timeline, the commissioner’s decision to discuss the project in Germany was symbolic. Germany currently holds both the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket titles, marking what Silver described as a “golden era” for the sport in the country.

     

    “We are the fastest-growing sport right now in this country. There’s, in essence, a golden era, I would say, of the sport. The 1936 Olympics here in Berlin, that’s when basketball was first introduced into the Olympic movement. In fact, James Naismith came here to Berlin for those games and purportedly tossed up the ball for the opening tip of the Games. So, there is that long history here,” Silver said, acknowledging the deep historical roots of basketball in Europe.

     

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    While many key details are still being finalized, early reports indicate that the NBA and FIBA are targeting October 2027 as a tentative launch date. The proposed structure includes a 16-team league, with 12 permanent franchises and an additional four clubs qualifying through a competitive process, creating a blend of stability and opportunity similar to international football competitions.

     

    Silver emphasized that the interest from European clubs, corporate sponsors, and media networks has been strong, fueling optimism that the project will materialize on schedule.

     

    “I would just say we continue to be enormously excited about it. We have been meeting with clubs that are interested in participating in our league. We have been in discussions with other potential stakeholders, including media companies that would like to cover it, potential media partners and traditional sponsors who want to work with us on the league,” he said.

    He added that the NBA and FIBA are also assessing arena infrastructure across Europe, aiming to elevate facilities to NBA standards while supporting the long-term sustainability of the project.

    “We are looking at the opportunity to grow the arena infrastructure, not just here in Germany but throughout the continent. It’s something that we are enormously excited about.

     

    “I think it’s critically important that we respect the traditions of European basketball, we are trying to find the best combination of the old and new, tradition and innovation. I think frankly, that’s what the NBA brings to the table. I think it’s also why it’s important not only to have FIBA as our partner but existing basketball organizations who understand the culture of European basketball, understand the traditions, the history, what makes European basketball unique in so many ways,” Silver added.

     

    The NBA-FIBA partnership is expected to focus on major markets across the continent. Potential franchise locations reportedly include:

    • England: London, Manchester 
    • France: Paris, Lyon 
    • Spain: Madrid, Barcelona 
    • Italy: Rome, Milan 
    • Germany: Munich, Berlin 
    • Greece: Athens 
    • Turkey: Istanbul 

    These cities represent some of Europe’s largest basketball markets and strongest fan bases, offering the infrastructure and commercial appeal necessary for a global league.

     

    If the plan proceeds as envisioned, the new European league could significantly reshape the international basketball landscape—providing a pathway for elite European clubs to operate under a unified NBA-FIBA framework, enhancing talent development, and expanding the NBA’s global footprint in one of the world’s most basketball-rich regions.

     

     

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