Photo courtesy of Fiba Asia Cup.
With a Fiba Asia Cup 2025 berth secured, Gilas Pilipinas is shifting focus to its final two qualifying matches in February. These are challenging road games against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand. Despite their status as no-bearing games, head coach Tim Cone sees these matches as critical preparation for the main tournament in Saudi Arabia.
“The two away games in February will be the toughest part. Two tough teams and both on the road. It will be a tough load for us, but we’re already looking forward to the challenge,” said Cone after Gilas’ dominant 93-54 victory over Hong Kong at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.
Learning to win on the road
Although Gilas clinched its Asia Cup slot after New Zealand’s 81-64 win over Chinese Taipei, Cone emphasizes the importance of adapting to road conditions.
“We had the opportunity to play at home during the 2023 World Cup, but now all our games will be away. We’ve got to learn how to perform and win on the road,” Cone explained.
The games in February are part of a larger strategy to prepare the team for high-stakes tournaments like the Asia Cup in Jeddah and future World Cup and Olympic qualifiers.
“The goal is to use the experience from these windows and the Olympic Qualifiers to elevate our game,” Cone added. “Learning to win away from home is crucial for our development.”
Team building
Gilas’ win over Hong Kong highlighted the team’s focus on cohesion and player development. The younger players stepped up, with Carl Tamayo leading the charge with 16 points and five rebounds. Kevin Quiambao added eight points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Mason Amos capped the game with a clutch three-pointer.
“Tamayo showcased his versatility, and that’s what we’re looking for in our young players. These guys are the future superstars of this team, and they’re still learning and growing,” said Cone.
The coach praised the team’s willingness to embrace a collective approach, saying, “This is not an all-star team. It’s about coming together, and this group has made that easier with their acceptance of hard coaching.”
Continuity over expansion
Cone expressed reluctance to expand the team’s player pool, citing the challenges of re-teaching systems to new additions.
“It’s better to keep things tight. If we expand, we risk starting over with the learning process,” he noted. “Hopefully, the program’s progress this year encourages continuity moving forward.”
Gilas remains unbeaten through four games, with its February matchups offering a valuable opportunity to test their mettle on hostile ground ahead of the Asia Cup.
