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Tag: Gilas Pilipinas

  • Mike Phillips reaches Gilas milestone, reflects on recovery journey 

    Mike Phillips reaches Gilas milestone, reflects on recovery journey 

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • Tim Cone backs Justine Baltazar’s untapped potential as big man earns Gilas recall 

    Tim Cone backs Justine Baltazar’s untapped potential as big man earns Gilas recall 

    For years, Justine Baltazar’s national team journey has largely been defined by potential. This time, however, the versatile big man enters the Gilas Pilipinas setup with something more tangible, the trust of the coaching staff.


    Baltazar’s inclusion in the Final 12 for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers third window is more than just a roster move. 

     

    It is a reward for the impression he left behind months earlier, when he joined the national team’s training camp for Window 2 despite not making the final lineup.

     

    Gilas head coach Tim Cone and the rest of the coaching staff saw enough in Baltazar’s game to keep him firmly on their radar. 

     

    His ability to contribute in multiple facets, whether as a rebounder, passer, defender, or floor-spacer, stood out in a team constantly searching for adaptable pieces.

     

    “He’s a player with a high ceiling, and we’re hoping that he can play at that high ceiling,” Cone said.

     

    That confidence became even more significant when Gilas had to adjust its roster for the June 29 to July 6 competitions. With key frontcourt players Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown unavailable, the coaching staff turned to a familiar candidate rather than exploring new options.

     

    For Cone, the decision was straightforward.

     

    “Balti, Justine, we know him from the last window. We had him through the whole camp, and he impressed us there,” the veteran and multi-awarded coach said.

     

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    The selection marks Baltazar’s first appearance for the national team since the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, ending a lengthy absence from Gilas duty. 

     

    Yet despite the praise coming from one of the country’s most accomplished coaches, the 29-year-old remains grounded.

     

    Instead of focusing on expectations, Baltazar is approaching the opportunity as a learner eager to fit into the program’s current culture and system.

     

    “Nagpapasalamat ako sa pag-invite uli sa akin. Noong last game nila, kumbaga baguhan pa lang ako, pero andun pa rin ako sumusuporta and always ready lang talaga ako. Malaking pasalamat ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12,” he said.

     

    His return also reflects Gilas’ ongoing effort to deepen its player pool ahead of major international competitions. With established veterans and emerging stars sharing the roster, Baltazar has an opportunity to carve out a unique role through the versatility that first caught the coaches’ attention.

     

    Joining Baltazar in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

    His performances did not go unnoticed.

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Mike Phillips has waited a long time for this moment. Three years after first answering the call to represent the country in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games under then-head coach Chot Reyes, he is once again wearing the national colors—this time as part of the Gilas Pilipinas squad under coach Tim Cone.

     

    Named as one of the Final 12 for Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Phillips is set to join the national team in crucial road games.

     

    For Phillips, however, the excitement of representing the country has never faded.

     

    “Sobrang saya ko at ang tagal namin itong hinintay, kasi SBP has been working so hard. Ma’am Erika Dy has been working so hard for so many years. Sobrang saya ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12 at excited akong maglaro para sa bayan,” he said.

     

    The call-up becomes even more meaningful with two familiar faces joining him on the roster. Former De La Salle teammates Justine Baltazar and Kevin Quiambao will also suit up for Gilas, creating what Phillips described as a special reunion years in the making.

     

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    “Super excited, Kevin is my boy and si Balti, siya yung captain ko nung first year ko sa La Salle. Full-circle talaga. We have the Animo pride,” the former De La Salle University standout said.

     

    For a player known for his relentless motor and physical style of play, the latest Gilas opportunity also serves as a chance to showcase how much his game has evolved since his UAAP days. 

     

    From becoming one of the country’s most versatile frontcourt players to earning recognition on the international stage, Phillips believes he is a more complete player than when he first joined the national team setup.

     

    His inclusion comes at a pivotal stage of the Philippines’ World Cup qualifying campaign. Gilas continues its quest for a place in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The upcoming window is expected to provide a crucial test of the team’s depth and progress under Cone.

     

    Joining Phillips in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson, as Gilas prepares for another important chapter in its World Cup journey.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana chooses recovery over Gilas duty after injury-plagued stretch

    Calvin Oftana chooses recovery over Gilas duty after injury-plagued stretch

    Calvin Oftana kept showing up.

     

    Whether it was for TNT or Gilas Pilipinas, the veteran forward rarely stepped away from the court despite carrying injuries that gradually became harder to ignore.

     

    Now, after another demanding campaign ended with TNT falling short in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Oftana has decided it is finally time to stop playing through pain.

     

    The TNT star confirmed that he will miss Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers as he undergoes a minor foot procedure and begins a much-needed recovery period.

     

    “Wala. Pahinga muna ako,” Oftana said shortly after TNT’s 88-76 loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 7 on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The decision marks a rare break for one of Philippine basketball’s busiest players.

     

    Behind the scenes, Oftana had been battling a troublesome foot injury for quite some time, an issue that affected him throughout the recently concluded Finals series. At the same time, he was also dealing with a recurring calf problem while juggling commitments between club and country.

    The physical toll eventually caught up with him.

     

    Yet even with those concerns, Oftana still chose to suit up for the championship-deciding game.

    He logged 31 minutes in Game 7, finishing with five points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal as TNT attempted to defend its title. But with his body far from full strength, the challenge proved difficult against a Ginebra squad that eventually pulled away.

     

    For Oftana, playing was never guaranteed.

     

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    “Sabi ko nga sa mga kasama ko, dasal muna ako; kung bigyan ako ng sign ni Lord na maglaro kahit may iniinda, maglalaro ako sa Game Seven,” he said.

     

    “‘Yun nga, napanaginipan ko tumatakbo ako, sabi ko baka yun yung sign,” he added with a chuckle, trying to be an image of optimism.

     

    “Pero, mahirap maglaro nang may iniinda. Ayaw naman natin nun. But hats off to Ginebra.”

     

    The former NCAA MVP admitted that stepping away now is less about basketball and more about preserving his health for the long run.

     

    Instead of joining Gilas in the upcoming international window, Oftana plans to focus on rehabilitation and recovery. The timeline means he could also miss the opening portion of the next PBA conference.

     

    After years of answering every call, the 30-year-old believes rest has become a necessity rather than an option.

     

    “Mami-miss ko ‘yung first quarter ng next conference. Kailangan na magpahinga siguro dahil sa sobra na rin sa laro,” he said.

     

    “Pero hindi naman rason ‘yun. Dapat maging healthy. Gusto ko lang maging healthy sa next conference.”

     

    For a player known for his durability and willingness to play through adversity, that goal may be the most important one yet.

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright moves closer to Gilas Pilipinas role after Senate approves naturalization bill 

    Bennie Boatwright moves closer to Gilas Pilipinas role after Senate approves naturalization bill 

    The Senate approved on third and final reading the bills seeking the naturalization of Boatwright and wrestler Matthew Ramos, opening another important chapter in the Filipino-American basketball prospect’s journey toward becoming eligible to represent Gilas Pilipinas.


    With a 13-0 vote, the Senate gave the green light to House Bill Nos. 6639 and 6644, moving Boatwright one step closer to completing the process of becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen.

     

    The development could have a major impact on the future of Philippine basketball, as Boatwright has been identified as a potential successor to longtime naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

     

    Once finalized, Boatwright could become part of Gilas Pilipinas’ plans not only for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, but also for FIBA-sanctioned competitions as the country continues its push toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

     

    Boatwright’s naturalization journey faced unexpected delays after his bill became caught in the middle of a Senate leadership standoff.

     

    Several measures, including the naturalization applications for Boatwright and Ramos, were left pending as the Senate dealt with an internal impasse.

     

    The situation changed after a few senators shifted blocs, prompting President Bongbong Marcos to call a special session before the opening of the Third Regular Session on July 27.

     

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    During that session, lawmakers were finally able to address the stalled measures, including the bills that could pave the way for Boatwright’s Gilas eligibility.

     

    Although Boatwright and Ramos were not physically present during the special session, the Senate approved their measures in absentia after acknowledging their efforts throughout the process.

     

    Senator Migz Zubiri highlighted the athletes’ commitment despite the previous delays.

     

    “I would just like to put on record, they were here three days straight in the last, before we ended the session. I think they’re back to training, so I think it’s okay we elect them in absentia, because they deserve it Mr. President,” Senator Zubiri said.

     

    The amendment was carried out under newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian after Alan Peter Cayetano stepped aside following Senator Joel Villanueva’s move to Gatchalian’s bloc.

     

    Senator Francis Pangilinan, who sponsored the naturalization measures, welcomed the approval and recognized the patience Boatwright and Ramos showed while waiting for the legislative process to move forward.

     

    For the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Boatwright represents a potential long-term addition to the national team pool.

     

    The former PBA import brings a unique skill set as a versatile big man who can stretch the floor, create scoring opportunities, and defend multiple positions.

     

    If the naturalization process is completed and all requirements are fulfilled, Boatwright would join Brownlee and Ange Kouame as foreign-born players eligible to wear the Gilas Pilipinas jersey.

     

    With Brownlee already established as one of the country’s most important international players, Boatwright’s potential arrival gives Gilas another weapon as it prepares for future global competitions and the ambitious goal of reaching the 2028 Olympic stage.

     

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  • Mike Phillips emerges as Gilas option amid frontcourt shakeup for FIBA Qualifiers 

    Mike Phillips emerges as Gilas option amid frontcourt shakeup for FIBA Qualifiers 

    Gilas Pilipinas may have found an unexpected answer to one of its biggest concerns heading into the next phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    As injuries, surgeries, and overseas commitments continue to thin the national team’s frontcourt depth, Mike Phillips has quietly stepped into the picture, joining the Gilas pool for the crucial July window, according to sources.

     

    The development comes at a time when size has become a growing concern for the national team. Reports indicate that Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown are both expected to miss the upcoming road assignments against New Zealand and Australia, while Calvin Oftana has already ruled himself out due to a scheduled toe surgery.

     

    That situation has created an opening for Phillips, whose combination of energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility could provide an alternative option for the coaching staff.

     

    Rather than arriving as a last-minute replacement, the former La Salle standout has already begun participating in team workouts despite head coach Tim Cone remaining focused on Barangay Ginebra’s ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals campaign.

     

    The call-up also marks a significant milestone in Phillips’ national team journey.

     

    For years, questions surrounding his eligibility complicated discussions about his future with Gilas. That uncertainty largely disappeared in February when FIBA officially classified him as a local player, clearing the path for potential inclusion in future international competitions.

     

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    Now, with Gilas navigating roster challenges, the timing of that ruling could prove valuable.

     

    While many associate Phillips with his successful UAAP career—highlighted by a Finals MVP performance in Season 89—he is no stranger to representing the country. He previously suited up for the Philippines during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, giving him a taste of international competition.

     

    His latest opportunity, however, comes under different circumstances.

     

    Instead of being viewed as a prospect for the future, Phillips is being considered as a possible solution for the present as Gilas prepares for two difficult away games against traditional regional powers.

     

    Currently seeing action with San Juan in the MPBL, Phillips now finds himself back in the national team conversation at a moment when every available big body matters.

     

    With the July qualifiers approaching and Gilas still managing roster availability issues, Phillips’ inclusion offers the national team another layer of flexibility—and perhaps another opportunity for him to prove he belongs on the international stage.

     

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  • Camille Clarin powers historic Gilas Women win to end FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign 

    Camille Clarin powers historic Gilas Women win to end FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign 

    For three games, Gilas Pilipinas Women kept searching for a breakthrough.

     

    On the final day of its campaign in Warsaw, that breakthrough finally arrived.

     

    With its hopes of reaching the knockout stage already gone, the Philippine squad found something else worth celebrating — a landmark victory on one of the biggest stages in international 3×3 basketball.

     

    Powered by a long-awaited shooting explosion from Camille Clarin, Gilas Pilipinas Women closed out its 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign with a historic 17-13 upset of World No. 11 Italy on Wednesday night (Manila time).

     

    The victory not only prevented a winless finish but also delivered the Philippines’ first triumph in the tournament, giving the team a memorable reward for its persistence against some of the world’s best programs.

     

    After struggling to find her rhythm through the opening games, Clarin saved her best performance for last.

     

    The former National University standout transformed the contest with her outside shooting, repeatedly punishing Italy from beyond the arc and providing the offensive spark Gilas had been missing throughout the tournament.

     

    Clarin drilled four two-pointers and finished with eight points, accounting for nearly half of the Philippines’ total output. Her biggest shot came with just 22 seconds left, a dagger from distance that effectively sealed the upset and sent the Filipina bench into celebration.

     

    The victory did not come without tension.

     

    Italy mounted a late charge and trimmed the deficit to 15-13 after Caterina Gilli completed an and-one play with just over a minute remaining. But every time the Italians threatened to take control, Gilas found an answer.

     

    Clarin delivered the decisive blow, while veteran leader Afril Bernardino provided stability inside with four points and six rebounds.

     

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    Mikka Cacho added three points, while Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in two as the Filipinas completed one of the most significant wins in the program’s young history.

     

    The result was especially meaningful considering the disappointment earlier in the day.

     

    Gilas showed flashes of potential against powerhouse China, racing to an early 6-1 lead and briefly putting one of Asia’s traditional contenders on the defensive. The Chinese eventually settled down and pulled away for a 20-12 victory, officially ending the Philippines’ chances of advancing.

     

    Yet instead of letting that defeat define their tournament, the Filipinas responded with their most complete performance.

     

    The final standings show Gilas finishing fourth in Pool C with a 1-3 record, narrowly missing out on the knockout rounds reserved for the top three teams.

     

    But beyond the numbers, the campaign offered something equally valuable: proof that the Philippines can compete and win against established programs on the world stage.

     

    And fittingly, it ended with a piece of history.

     

    In a tournament filled with lessons, challenges, and growing pains, Gilas Women left Warsaw with a breakthrough victory that may prove just as important as any medal — a reminder that the gap between the Philippines and the world’s elite continues to shrink.

     

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  • Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown will not suit up for Gilas in FIBA Qualifiers says Tim Cone 

    Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown will not suit up for Gilas in FIBA Qualifiers says Tim Cone 

    The challenge facing Gilas Pilipinas in the next FIBA World Cup qualifying window may not be about who will play—it may be about who won’t.

     

    As the national team prepares for a daunting road trip against regional heavyweights Australia and New Zealand, Gilas is set to navigate the window without two of its most important frontcourt pieces, creating a significant void in the middle just weeks before competition resumes.

     

    National team head coach Tim Cone confirmed that both Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown will be unavailable for the upcoming assignment, stripping the Philippines of two players who were expected to anchor the team’s interior presence.

     

    “QMB is out after back surgery in Japan. And so is Kai, officially. We’re told Kai is attending the NBA Summer League, which we are happy about. We’re supporting his road to the NBA,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone told me in a Tuesday night interview.

     

    The timing leaves Gilas searching for answers at a position that has long been one of its greatest strengths. Sotto’s size, rim protection, and international experience have made him a cornerstone of the program, while Millora-Brown quickly emerged as a reliable contributor after joining the national team setup.

     

    With both unavailable, attention naturally shifts to the veterans expected to shoulder a heavier burden.

     

    One of them is June Mar Fajardo, who had initially hoped to take a step back from national team duties as he explored the possibility of undergoing surgery.

     

    Instead, circumstances have once again called on the longtime Gilas pillar.

     

    According to Cone, the nine-time PBA MVP agreed to postpone those plans and make himself available for the national team after learning of the growing personnel concerns in the frontcourt.

     

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    His decision gives Gilas a much-needed stabilizing force as it prepares for arguably its toughest assignments of the qualifying campaign.

     

    The uncertainty does not end there.

     

    TNT star Calvin Oftana also revealed on Tuesday that he is scheduled to undergo surgery on an infected toe immediately after the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra, creating another situation the coaching staff will need to monitor closely in the coming weeks.

     

    Despite the mounting injury concerns, Cone remains focused on assembling the roster that will represent the country in the next window.

     

    While declining to discuss specific replacements or potential additions, the veteran coach indicated that the official lineup will be finalized soon.

     

    “We will be announcing the 12 players for the next window in a few days.”

     

    For Gilas, the upcoming qualifiers were already expected to be a difficult test against two of the strongest programs in Oceania. Now, with key pieces sidelined and roster adjustments becoming unavoidable, the challenge has become even greater.

     

    The next few days may determine not only who fills those vacant roster spots, but also how the Philippines plans to compete without two of the biggest names in its frontcourt rotation.

     

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  • Gilas Girls make statement, dominates Vietnam in U18 SEABA opener 

    Gilas Girls make statement, dominates Vietnam in U18 SEABA opener 

    The future of Philippine women’s basketball wasted little time announcing its arrival.

     

    With a roster packed with rising stars and familiar basketball bloodlines, Gilas Pilipinas Women U18 opened the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers with an emphatic 93-42 victory over Vietnam on Tuesday night at the STI-West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City.

     

    While the senior national team continues to build on its recent international successes, the next wave of talent showed it may not be long before it is ready to carry the program forward.

     

    After a competitive opening quarter, the Filipinas blew the game wide open behind a suffocating defensive display and a blistering 26-7 second-quarter run that immediately created separation.

     

    What followed was a showcase of the depth, athleticism, and defensive intensity that has become a hallmark of the country’s youth program.

     

    Gilas forced turnovers all night long, finishing with 28 steals that directly translated into 55 points off Vietnam’s miscues.

     

    Rhiane Perez led the charge with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks, while Zaydhen Rosano added 15 points and eight rebounds as the Filipinas controlled both ends of the floor.

     

    The performance also highlighted the emergence of several players carrying familiar surnames.

     

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    US-trained Tiffany Reyes, daughter of former PBA player Jay-R Reyes, contributed 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals in an efficient outing.

     

    Meanwhile, Sophia Dignadice, daughter of PBA legend Yves Dignadice and already a member of the gold medal-winning Gilas Women squad in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and six steals.

     

    The victory serves as another encouraging sign for a program that has steadily expanded its talent pipeline in recent years.

     

    Although the Philippines has already secured its place in this year’s FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup after topping Division B in 2024, the SEABA qualifiers provide valuable international experience for a group expected to become future mainstays of the national team.

     

    For one night at least, the next generation looked more than ready for the challenge.

     

    Gilas Women U18 returns to action on Wednesday against Singapore as it continues its campaign on home soil.

     

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