August 15, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — No matter hangover Gilas Pilipinas had from its epic quarterfinal clincher in opposition to FIBA Asia Cup host Saudi Arabia, mighty Australia shortly washed it away with a powerful dose of actuality capsule.
They’re no friends. At the least not but.
And the Nationals are nicely conscious of the large quantity of labor wanted earlier than even getting near such standing.
“Little question the Australian athleticism and size, though you see it on video, while you rise up there and begin enjoying in opposition to it on the courtroom, you understand that they’re very superior,” Gilas coach Tim Cone stated after the defending champion and world No. 7 Boomers gave them the boot with an 84-60 whipping Wednesday.
“We simply had a tough time staying in entrance of them, difficult their threes they usually moved the ball rather well they usually received up pictures fast. They performed at a very good tempo they usually additionally did an important job defending Justin (Brownlee), limiting him to solely seven pictures,” he added.
If something, the one-sided Final-8 showdown in Jeddah gave Cone and Co. a greater comprehension on take care of the Aussies after they meet once more.
That’s positive to occur as group mates within the coming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, the place they’re booked for a house and away duel on March 1 and July 6 subsequent yr.
“They imposed their will on us and we’ve received to determine a approach to overcome that,” stated Cone.
The veteran tactician intends to maintain his handpicked dozen for the following clashes.
“We put this crew collectively for the long run and attempt to get them to develop collectively and get higher. And if we’re going to only go forward and alter personnel, then we’re all again to zero once more,” he stated.
“So we’re going to make use of this and attempt to make some changes. The massive lacking piece for us is Kai Sotto and hopefully we get Kai and that makes us slightly bit extra aggressive (subsequent time).”
Gilas breaks camp for now and is predicted to reassemble by November forward of the WCQ opener. First up are back-to-back video games in Group A in opposition to Guam (Nov. 28 away and Dec. 1 house) within the first window then it’s time to satisfy the massive canine in Window 2 – New Zealand on Feb. 26 and Australia three days later, each in Manila.
“It’s an important studying expertise for us,” stated younger gun Kevin Quiambao, who made the Asia Cup his breakout event and even took scoring cudgels for Gilas versus the Aussies with 17. “We are going to carry this over onto the following one in November.”
