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Tag: Gilas Pilipinas

  • Quentin Millora-Brown stays focused on Gilas despite contract hurdle

    Quentin Millora-Brown stays focused on Gilas despite contract hurdle

    For a moment, it looked like Quentin Millora-Brown might miss the start of Gilas Pilipinas Men’s training camp. Contract negotiations between his camp, led by agent Tod Seidel, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) had stalled, leaving the 6-foot-10 Filipino-American big man in limbo.


    Stepping into the breach, his father, Bryan Millora-Brown, joined discussions alongside SBP representatives, including UP athletics director Bo Perasol. 

     

    After careful negotiations balancing player protections with national team commitments, the parties reached an agreement that will allow Millora-Brown to suit up for the remainder of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    Millora-Brown wasted no time demonstrating his value. In his first two games with Gilas during the first window of the qualifiers, the former UAAP champion with the UP Fighting Maroons averaged 7.5 points per contest and a team-leading 9.5 rebounds per game, highlighting the impact he brings to the national squad.

     

    Despite the initial setback, Millora-Brown remained composed, refusing to assign blame for the contract issue and keeping his focus squarely on the team’s goals. 

     

    “I mean, I always want to represent. It was just about contracts, trying to make sure that all the protections you have are in place,” he explained. 

     

    “For me, I just want to represent and perform, because that’s what I love to do,” the former UP standout added.

     

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    The situation underscores the delicate balance modern athletes must navigate — protecting their professional careers while honoring national duty. 

     

    Currently playing for Chiba in Japan, Millora-Brown is now fully committed to Gilas Pilipinas and the challenges that lie ahead.

     

    His return comes at a pivotal time. On February 26, Gilas faces New Zealand in a must-win match, followed by a showdown with powerhouse Australia on March 1. 

     

    These high-stakes games will test not only Millora-Brown’s readiness but also his chemistry with the team and his ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.

     

    With the contract hurdle behind him, Millora-Brown’s focus is clear: representing the Philippines and helping the team navigate one of the toughest stretches in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. 

     

    Beyond simply being a key contributor, his presence blends size, skill, and international experience, strengthening Gilas’ frontline while also serving as a blueprint for other dual-nationality players weighing professional commitments abroad against national pride. 

     

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  • “If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

    “If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

    Few coaches in Philippine basketball history can match the sustained excellence of Tim Cone, whose 25 championships have cemented his status as arguably the greatest bench tactician the Philippine Basketball Association has ever seen.

     

    Over a decorated career spanning decades, Cone built dynasties, shaped generations of stars, and mastered the nuances of the pro game. But beyond his domestic success, the American mentor has also embraced the responsibility of steering the national team. Now back at the helm of Gilas Pilipinas following the conclusion of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Cone is once again tasked with guiding the Philippines through the rigors of international competition.

     

    In a recent appearance on the Power and Play sports program, the 68-year-old coach offered insight into the culture he is determined to instill — one rooted not in financial incentives, but in national pride.

     

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    Cone revealed that from the very first team meeting, he made the program’s philosophy unmistakably clear.

     

    “We had a program from Day 1; we had it very clear to everyone, in our first Zoom meeting when we brought the original 12 guys, there is not gonna be anybody who’s gonna be making more money than somebody else, but whatever was going to be given, it was really, ‘take it or leave it,’” Cone said.

     

    The message, he explained, was deliberate and uncompromising: representing the country comes before personal gain.

     

    “Whether you join or not, it was just a philosophy that if you’re here with this group, with Gilas, if you’re there because you want to make money or a big salary whatever, it’s a wrong place for you to be,” he added.

    Cone emphasized that the privilege of wearing the Philippine jersey should be motivation enough — a belief he considers fundamental to building a cohesive and selfless national squad.

     

    “If you want to take pride, walk around the city and be able to see your family and say, ‘I will be one of the 12 guys that can say you’re on the national team,’ this is the place you wanna be in. But if you are there to make fabulous salaries, that ain’t gonna happen. We are gonna treat everybody equal. That’s what we are stuck to,” Cone continued.

     

    For Cone, equality and shared purpose form the backbone of sustained success. His approach mirrors the discipline and clarity that defined his championship runs in the PBA — clear roles, collective sacrifice, and an unwavering standard of accountability.

     

    Now, the challenge shifts to the international stage.

     

    Cone’s long-term objective is clear: secure qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and ultimately earn a berth in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles — a stage the Philippines has not graced in men’s basketball in decades. Achieving that goal will require consistency, depth, and resilience as Gilas navigates the grueling qualification windows.

     

    The immediate test comes in the second window of the FIBA qualifiers, where the Philippines will face formidable opposition. Gilas opens against New Zealand men’s national basketball team on Thursday, February 28, before squaring off with the Australia men’s national basketball team on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly influence the trajectory of their campaign.

     

    Both New Zealand and Australia bring physicality, international experience, and disciplined systems — precisely the kind of opposition that will test Cone’s structure and the players’ commitment to his philosophy. Maintaining their unbeaten record will demand poise in hostile environments, crisp execution on both ends of the floor, and leadership in pressure moments.

     

    For Cone, however, the blueprint remains simple: build a team that plays for the flag first.

    If Gilas can translate that collective pride into disciplined performances on the hardwood, the road to 2027 — and perhaps Los Angeles in 2028 — becomes clearer.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is fast approaching, and Gilas Pilipinas aims to build on an impressive start as it continues its quest for a place in the tournament proper.

     

    The Philippines opened its Group A campaign in dominant fashion during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten. But the road only gets tougher from here. Awaiting Gilas in the next set of fixtures are Oceania heavyweights — the Australia national basketball team and the New Zealand national basketball team — two programs with size, depth, and international pedigree.

     

    Among the players looking to make a significant impact is center Justine Baltazar, who has rejoined the national team after a three-year absence. The 29-year-old big man was added to bolster Gilas’ interior presence, and head coach Tim Cone believes Baltazar’s size and versatility could provide a valuable boost.

     

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    “He has great size, he has great talent, he has great versatility. That is exactly what we are looking for in the national team — the ability to be a player that can do various things,” Cone said during an appearance on Power & Play. “He can step out, he can step in, he can take on a mismatch, he can block shots around the basket, he’s a dynamic rebounder. He just has a lot of versatility, so that’s what we are looking for.”

    Cone acknowledged that Baltazar is still adjusting to the national team’s system, particularly on the defensive end, but expressed confidence that the learning curve will be temporary.

     

    “The only thing he lacks — just like with Juan Gomez de Liano in our last window — is the depth of knowledge in terms of our system,” Cone explained. “Offensively, but even more so defensively, that’s really his only weakness point.

     

    “So once he gets that idea, he is going to be an extremely important piece. This is a great training ground for him right now, this window and going forward. He’s been playing well and he’s excited — you can see it in the way he practices.

     

    “He’s not afraid. He goes up against everybody. He’s not afraid to guard Justin Brownlee. He’s not afraid to go up against June Mar Fajardo or AJ Edu. He’s his own man — he’s really impressive.”

     

    Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand on Thursday, February 28, before facing Australia on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly shape the trajectory of its qualification campaign.

     

    With heightened competition, key roster adjustments, and national pride on the line, the Philippines will need poise, execution, and leadership to protect its unbeaten record and strengthen its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

     

     

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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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  • 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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  • “This victory is for the coming generation”: Yeng Guiao dedicates PSA Award to athletes 

    “This victory is for the coming generation”: Yeng Guiao dedicates PSA Award to athletes 

    Veteran coach and former lawmaker Yeng Guiao added another milestone to his storied career—this time off the hardwood—after becoming the first non-athlete to receive the prestigious President’s Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during its Annual Awards Night on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel.

     

    Known to many as the fiery former head coach of Gilas Pilipinas and current bench tactician of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Guiao was recognized not for his achievements on the sidelines, but for his decade-long legal battle that resulted in a landmark victory for Philippine sports.

     

    In 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Guiao’s petition, ordering the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to remit five percent of their gross income to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in accordance with Republic Act 6847. The decision effectively unlocked billions of pesos in funding for the PSC—resources that are expected to significantly bolster infrastructure projects, grassroots programs, and athlete development nationwide.

     

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    For Guiao, the recognition capped a long and arduous journey that began in 2016 when he, along with legal counsels Jun Guzman and Mon Navarro, filed a judicial remedy seeking to nullify a memorandum issued during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos. The memorandum had prevented the full allocation of funds to the PSC as mandated by law.

     

    Taking the stage alongside his legal team, the 66-year-old Guiao reflected on the magnitude of the gamble he took in challenging powerful government agencies and risking political fallout.

     

    “So sumuntok po tayo sa buwan. Pero paminsan minsan tatamaan niyo yung buwan. And that’s really what happened here. Sino ba si Yeng Guiao to go to the Supreme Court and ask the Supreme Court to take away billions of funds from the office of the President? It was political suicide. Pag nagalit si presidente patay ka,” Guiao said on receiving the award.

    His words underscored the risk involved in confronting institutions that controlled vast financial resources. Yet Guiao maintained that the cause was bigger than politics.

     

    “But maybe somebody had to commit political suicide so that Philippine sports can breathe some fresh air. From my estimate, so Chairman Pato, the commissioners of the Philippine Sports Commission, the sports federations, the Philippine Olympic Committee, our athletes, our youth, our regular countrymen will benefit from around, if I’m not mistaken, a total of 37 billion peso in accumulated funds.

     

    “And if I’m not mistaken, from 180 million a month to most likely closer to 500 million a month for Philippine sports,” he added.

     

    If projections hold, the Supreme Court ruling could nearly triple the PSC’s monthly funding—an infusion that sports leaders believe will transform training facilities, expand grassroots programs, and provide sustained support to national athletes competing on the world stage.

     

    Guiao emphasized that the victory was never about personal recognition, but about securing long-term gains for future generations of Filipino athletes. He expressed hope that the additional funding would pave the way for more international success stories similar to Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, rising tennis star Alex Eala, and world-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

     

    “So nagwagi po tayo. This victory is a victory for athletes of the coming generation. It’s a victory for our sports leaders. It’s a victory for our countrymen in general. So sana po dumami pa ang mga Carlos Yulo. Dumami pa ang mga Hidilyn Diaz. Dumami pa ang mga Alex Eala, mga EJ Obiena. And I will be happy and satisfied that we have had a small part in that,” Guiao concluded.

     

    For the PSA, the decision to bestow its highest honor on a non-athlete highlighted the broader ecosystem that fuels sporting success. While athletes claim medals and coaches draw up winning plays, systemic change—particularly in funding and governance—often determines the sustainability of a nation’s sports program.

     

    In Guiao’s case, the battle was fought not on the court but in the halls of justice. And in winning it, he may have secured a legacy that extends far beyond basketball—one measured not in championships, but in opportunity.

     

     

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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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