FIBA: Gilas Pilipinas failed expectation in third window
Sweeping the first two windows of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers was a big achievement for Gilas Pilipinas. It also etched their status to become one of the best basketball teams in the Asian region once again.
In the third window, the national squad was expected to bring out their A-game once more and top the Group B of the qualifiers but a different scenario happened.
First, Gilas was defeated by Chinese Taipei, 84-91, in Taiwan. It marked the first time that the Taiwanese defeated the Filipinos since the 2013 FIBA World that was held in Manila.
Then, New Zealand avenged their first window loss to the Philippines. The Tall Blacks dominated Gilas in their game in Auckland, 87-70.
Why did Gilas Pilipinas fall in the hands of these two squads whom they already defeated in the first two windows of the qualifiers? Let us now check some of the factors.
Factor 1 - Kai Sotto’s absence
Sotto was a formidable force in the paint when he played in the first four games. He averaged 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.3 blocks, including a +23 whenever he stepped on the floor.
But with the ACL injury that he sustained, he was not able to suit up in the final window, and it affected the way Gilas played.
In Sotto’s absence, PBA eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, and rising star AJ Edu tried to man the middle and fill the void but it was not enough to dismantle their opponents.
Factor 2 - Fatigue
The players included in the pool are also playing for their own mother teams in the league they’re in – PBA, Japan’s B.League, KBL or UAAP.
Gilas even went to Doha, Qatar for a pocket tournament. They won their opening game against the home team but failed to secure a victory in the next two against Lebanon and Egypt. Then, they had a quick stop in the Philippines before flying to Taiwan.
So, the national team played five games in three different countries in a week span.
The fatigue was very evident in the past two games when the Gilas opponents were faster in chasing the loose balls and grabbing some board, though they fought back until the end but eventually ran out of steam.
Factor 3 - Complacency
Sweeping the first two windows of the qualifiers gave Gilas a ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in August to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Being undefeated and getting on top of the standings might have given the Philippine team the ego that they can beat anyone from the group. They might have relaxed a little also and possibly underestimated the opponents whom they have beaten already in the past.
But instead of another sweep, they were the ones being beaten. In their past five games, Gilas only won a single game out of the five they played. With that, the Philippine basketball squad has lost four straight outings.
What to do?
To get back on track, Gilas Pilipinas have to go back to the drawing board, assess themselves, study and scout their opponents very well, prepare much better, and come out stronger than ever.
We all know that Filipinos are resilient to overcome any obstacles. It goes the same with Gilas Pilipinas and their followers.
One thing is for sure, in August, the Philippine team will once again say, “Laban Pilipinas” and Gilas will give their all in etching our basketball legacy in the Asian region.
