The Philippine National Basketball Team, fondly called Gilas Pilipinas, has experienced a refreshing resurgence since last year, making significant strides in the international stage. After an underwhelming performance in the FIBA World Cup 2023 held right here in the Philippines, the team was overhauled from top to bottom. And all of a sudden, things have suddenly turned bright.
Under the leadership of new head coach Tim Cone, the team has not only stunned local cage fans with a totally-unexpected gold medal in the Asian Games, it has since achieved historic wins against formidable opponents in world’s 6th-ranked Latvia and 22nd-ranked New Zealand. The entire cage world was surprised as the Phiippines jumped up the Asian Basketball leaderboard, now occupying 2nd spot behind Australia in the Asian ratings.
A New Era Under Tim Cone
Tim Cone’s appointment as head coach marked a pivotal moment for Gilas Pilipinas. Known for his strategic acumen and extensive experience in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Coach Tim brings in a wealth of knowledge that has been instrumental in refining the team’s playing style. His coaching philosophy emphasizes ball movement, player versatility, and a strong defensive foundation, which are crucial for competing at the higher level. He is also mindful of the evolution of the game, keeping himself current with developments in the NBA and elsewhere. Despite inheriting a team that lost the majority of its stars, and with the Asian Games less than a month away, Coach Tim was able to whip a hastily-organized team to win the Asian Games gold. After decades of frustration, Gilas has finally gifted the nation with a most-cherished basketball gold medal.
Under Coach Tim’s guidance, the team has adopted a more cohesive and disciplined approach to the game. His ability to adapt his more-structured, yet flexible strategies to suit the strengths of his players has fostered an environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. This shift is evident in the team’s recent performances, showcasing a continuity blending the experience of the veterans, with the power moves and innovations of the emerging talents.
Historic Achievements
The gold medal victory at the Asian Games was a landmark achievement for Gilas, showcasing their potential in the regional stage. This triumph has not only boosted the team’s confidence but also ignited national pride, bringing the country’s rabid cage fans together in support of our cagers. This was followed by a victory against Latvia in the Olympic qualifiers, further solidifying Gilas’ position as a formidable contender in international basketball, and proving that they can compete and win against top-tier teams. This was the country’s first win against a European contender since the 60s, and it had to be against the 6th-ranked country in the world’s basketball heirarchy.
And just recently, another first win – this time against New Zealand – has ensured a slot for the Philippines in the forthcoming Asia Cup. This upset over the New Zealanders, ranked 22nd in the world, has been a testament to their growth and determination. Historically, the Philippines has struggled against the bigger, heavier Tall Blacks of New Zealand, making this victory a significant milestone. It reflects the team’s evolving mindset and resilience, qualities that are essential for success in the competitive landscape of international basketball.
Key Players Leading the Charge
Several key players have emerged as cornerstones of the Gilas roster, each contributing uniquely to the team’s success. Kai Sotto, the young and talented center, has become a focal point of the team’s offense and defense. His height and skill set allow him to dominate in the paint, while his improving perimeter shooting adds a new dimension to his game. Sotto’s presence on the court as a primary rim-protector has erased previous laments regarding the team’s lack of size. He not only enhances the team’s performance, but also serves as a cornerstone for the team’s future. At only 22 years of age, Kai’s presence will be a big boon to the Gilas team in the years ahead.
Jun Mar Fajardo, the seasoned veteran and multiple PBA MVP awardee, brings invaluable experience and leadership to the team. His ability to slide down to the power forward position allows the team to control the boards even more effectively. The Kai and Jun Mar tag team makes for a formidable frontline, giving the opposing team fits. Jun Mar’s mentorship of younger players, particularly Kai, is equally important, as he shares insights and strategies that can elevate their play. His influence will extend beyond statistics; as his years of experience with Gilas embodies the spirit of hard work and perseverance that the team aims to represent.
Scottie Thompson, known for his versatility and hustle, has also played a very crucial role in the team’s resurgence. His ability to contribute in various facets of the game – playmaking, rebounding, scoring, as well as playing pesky defense – makes him a vital player in Coach Cone’s rotation. Thompson’s relentless energy and commitment on both ends of the floor exemplify the team’s ethos and serve as a model for his peers.
And of course, Justin BrownLee, our lucky charm-of-a-naturalized player. Justin has been a source of strength both in the offense and defense. He can take the lead role in the offense if need be, but allows everyone to participate to keep the opposing team guessing on whom to focus their defense on. Justin is a team player who clearly prioritizes wins over individual honors, a big boon to Coach Tim’s system, and the Gilas program in general.
The Coming of Age of Role Players
In addition to the generational talents mentioned, the development of role players has been instrumental in the team’s improvement. Players who may not have been in the spotlight are stepping up, showcasing their skills and contributing to the overall success of the team. In preparation for the future, Coach Tim has handpicked certain players who he feels must come of age once the veterans like Jun Mar, Japeth Aguilar and Chris Newsome step down. This “coming of age” of the likes of Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo and Mason Amos is crucial; it not only strengthens the bench but also provides continuity for the program. It also fosters a competitive environment that encourages every player to elevate their game.
As these players gain confidence and experience, they become essential components to the team’s strategy. At guard, Dwight Ramos, CJ Perez and Newsome provide different styles and strengths that Coach Tim can mix and match. At forward, there’s Calvin Oftana, Tamayo, Quiambao, providing able support to Kai, Jun Mar and Justin. Coach Cone has effectively utilized this depth, allowing for strategic rotations that keep players fresh and engaged throughout games. Add 2 more behemoths on the injured list, AJ Edu and Jamie Malonzo. This depth ensures that the team has continuity and can maintain a high level of performance against tougher opponents.
Coach Tim’s Philosophy
At the core of Gilas’s rise is Coach Tim’s philosophy, which highlights teamwork, discipline, and continuous improvement. Coach Tim emphasized that the game is evolving, and as such, players have become more athletic, more intelligent, and must have added skills to make them excel. He stresses the importance of preparation, both physically and mentally, ensuring that players are ready to face a far-different challenge in international competitions where players are bigger, stronger and faster. Coach Tim’s focus on creating a strong team culture has fostered a sense of unity and commitment among the players.
Moreover, Coach Cone encourages a style of play that adapts to the strengths of the players, while also challenging them to expand their skill sets. This adaptability is crucial in international tournaments where teams encounter diverse playing styles. Hence, the need to prepare Jun Mar to slide down to the 4-spot, the need to stress spacing as well as movement without the ball, etc. By empowering players to take ownership of their roles, Cone cultivates a sense of responsibility and pride within the team.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the future of Gilas Pilipinas is looking brighter than ever. The combination of experienced vets and emerging young talents positions the team well for upcoming international tournaments. With the foundation laid by Coach Tim and the continuous development of key players, the best is yet to come for Philippine basketball.
But the success of Gilas must not be seen only in the medals they bring home. It must also be about building a legacy that inspires future generations of Filipino basketball players. As the team continues to grow and evolve, fans can expect exciting developments on the court. Aside from all that, there is the need to acquire a culture and commitment to excellence that must embody the spirit of Philippine basketball. Today’s Gilas program is no longer simply about ‘puso’. Its ethos must also evolve with the times. Hence, it must add the element of ‘utak’, which is manifested in Coach Tim’s system and aptly demonstrated by our young players Kai Sotto, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and others.
The Philippine national basketball team, under the guidance of coach Tim Cone, is on an upward trajectory marked by historic achievements and a promising future. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents, coupled with a strong coaching philosophy, Gilas is poised to make waves in international basketball. The journey has just begun; and as the team continues to improve, the best is yet to come.
Cover pic courtesy of GMA Network News.
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