Now blessed with an imposing frontline led by Kai Sotto, coach Tim Cone and Gilas Pilipinas have all the intentions of maximizing a strong style of play in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Gilas Pilipinas being the “bigger” team might come as a surprise to many, considering height has been traditionally the detriment for Philippine basketball during international competitions.
That was not the case during Gilas’ breakthrough win over New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
[Related: In Photos: Gilas secures maiden win over New Zealand]
Against the Tall Blacks, it was the Filipinos that stood tall, dominating the categories normally associated with height.
In the Philippines’ 93-89 win, Gilas won the rebounding battle, 44-31, and the offensive rebounding duel, 16-8. Gilas also had the edge in blocks, 4-3, and actually committed less fouls during the highly-physical affair.
For good measure, the Philippines scored 48 points in the paint to just 16 for New Zealand. In turn, the Tall Blacks turned to their outside shooting, connecting on a remarkable 18 triples.
Going big and not going home was part of the plan for Gilas Pilipinas.
“When you have a guy who is 7’3” and a guy who is 6’11” and power guy, our intention is to play inside and out, take advantage,” head coach Tim Cone said.
“We’re built to be more of a defensive, inside-out team than an open court, three-point shooting team,” he added.
Against New Zealand, Kai Sotto served as a true anchor for Gilas Pilipinas, with the 7’3” powerhouse going for 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks in 33 minutes.
June Mar Fajardo added six points and three rebounds in a shorter, but still productive stint, while Justin Brownlee led the charge with 26 points and 11 rebounds. The trio holding their ground against the powerful Tall Blacks proved instrumental in a key victory for Gilas, the country's first against New Zealand in FIBA play.
[Related: 'Just Believe': With breakthrough over New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas make fans find faith]
“They [New Zealand] are good, they are incredibly physical. Credit to Kai [Sotto] and June Mar [Fajardo] for really battling through their bigs. And Justin [Brownlee], they were physical with Justin,” Cone said.
“To overcome that and find a win was really special. There was a lot of attention on the game and our guys were pressured to win and they found a way. I'm proud of them,” he added.