The Philippines impressed enough in the February window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, as well as in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, to improve in the power rankings.
Gilas Pilipinas moved up a spot to number two in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers power rankings volume 3 ahead of the November window.
The world number 34 Philippines impressed not just in the February window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, but also with their run in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas up to no. 3 in FIBA Asia Cup power rankings]
"The Philippines left the February window on a high as the best offensive team of the Continental Cup Qualifiers and then gained even more with their run in the OQT," the FIBA writeup noted.
Recall that the Philippines went 2-0 against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei--ending up as the number one team in the qualifiers when it came to points with an average of 100.
Gilas is also number one in field goal percentage, knocking 51% of their shots. The Tall Blacks are second with 50.7%.
The Philippines also sent a statement in the OQT, upsetting then-world number 6 Latvia right in their house.
And coach Tim Cone is keeping that chemistry going with nearly the same group of players against New Zealand and Hong Kong.
"There's a lot of positivity surrounding the direction of how Gilas are progressing with their program so sticking to the formula is reasonable - and it only makes sense to put them up a step here," the FIBA writeup noted.
Gilas Pilipinas will take on New Zealand this Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. It will be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas guide: 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers November window schedule, results]