Gilas Takes Twin Cage Crowns in Thailand

Happy New Year, folks! Here’s a feel-good opening article for the year, on how our cagers – despite off-court eligibility issues thrown at them, and some spotty hometown officiating – took home the gold medals in men’s and women’s basketball in the recently-concluded SEA Games in Bangkok,Thailand.

Bangkok, December 2025, will be remembered as another proud chapter in the annals of Philippine basketball. In a display of grit, skill, and heart, both the men’s and women’s national teams – fondly called the Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s squads – captured gold in the Southeast Asian Games, overcoming formidable challenges and high-pressure moments to stand gloriously on top of the podium once again.

The main Gilas men’s stalwarts, along with coach Tim Cone, elected not to play in the recent Bangkok SEA Games because the tournament was in conflict with their already-packed FIBA schedule, plus they still had their PBA commitments, hence forcing the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to create a Team B under Coach Norman Black. Last-minute eligibility issues such as the use of naturalized players like Justin Brownlee further stymied Black’s efforts to form his Team B, literally forcing the creation of a Team C just days before the SEA Games opened. (Shades of the Gilas’ gold-medal winning team to the Asian Games in 2023, pls click and read: The Philippines Surprises, Annexes the Asian Games Basketball Crown!!!) 

The men’s team took to the court with a roster that blended seasoned veterans with emerging talents. The final list included Bobby Ray Parks Jr, Matthew Wright and Thirdy Ravena, all of whom have plied their trade in the Japan Pro League. Also providing more veteran sock were Robert Bolick and Jaymee Malonzo, both of whom had donned the country’s jerseys before.

The team’s path to glory was not a straight road. This newly-organized team survived their semifinal match against Indonesia 71-68, in a match that demanded late-game poise and precise execution of the halfcourt option. Bolick shined in executing a halfcourt offense that ran down the clock, particularly during the dying minutes as the Indons unleashed a searing rally. Against the host Thais in the Finals, the Gilas veterans steadied the ship after falling behind by a mile in the 2nd quarter, took the lead in the last quarter, and staved off another furious rally to finally win 70-64.

What stood out in Bangkok was the men’s team’s ability to weather adversity and rally from behind. Despite being saddled with eligibility issues which caused last minute changes in the line-up, they found rhythm in the half-court sets, in the most pressure-packed moments. The leadership core was anchored by players with international experience. and the coaching staff, led by coach Norman Black, communicated with clarity, orchestrating the offense and turning defensive stops into scoring opportunities. The result was a gold medal that carried the flag of a nation proud of its basketball heritage and hungry for continued success on the continental stage.

The women’s side mirrored this same spirit of resilience. A wonderful blend of experience and youth propelled the team forward, creating a balanced attack that kept opponents guessing. Once again, the absence of key set pieces in the team became a big issue before the final line-up was confirmed. Key Gilas Women players absent from the 2025 SEA Games included star center Jack Animam (Japan pro league); Vanessa De Jesus, Naomi Panganiban and Sumayah Sugapong (US NCAA); and Gabe Bade and Stefanie Berberabe (ruled ineligible under the host’s strict eligibility rules). This necessitated the formation of a mix of veterans like Afril Bernardino, France Mae Cabinbin and Janine Pontejos, plus new faces from the college circuit. 

The emergence of Kacey de la Rosa as a solid rim-protector and rebounder was the key in producing a dynamic offense and a stubborn defense. Plus the arrival of fresh faces, young yet impactful, such as Sophia Dignadice (daughter of former PBA star Yves Dignadice), Sarah Heyn and Louna Ozar.

Each member of the squad embraced the moment, contributing in different ways – from sharp perimeter shooting to decisive drives to the basket and timely stops on the defense. To Coach Pat Aquino’s credit, he was able to hone the teamwork, which was quite evident in the suffocating trapping defense that they executed with great success.

The Gilas Ladies had some difficulty against a pesky Malaysian squad in the regular round, before blasting Indonesia in the semis 66-55. Coach Pat’s deep bench had rival coaches guessing as to how to deal with the Gilas team. Off the bench, the coaching staff crafted game plans that leveraged strengths, exploited mismatches, and adjusted on the fly to counter the shifting tides of competition. Facing the Thais in the finals, the ladies would barely survive a searing rally to win the title 73-70.

As the trophy celebrations ensued in Bangkok, one theme stood out: basketball in the Philippines remains a unifying force, capable of bringing communities together in shared pride and joy. The Gilas teams’ twin victories are more than medals; they are a proud result of decades of basketball madness in the country. They are a testament to the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the unwavering determination of athletes who stepped onto the court with one goal — to honor the country and inspire future generations of players to dream big, work hard, and believe that anything is possible when a team plays as one.

Here’s to the Gilas Pilipinas men and women — champions in Bangkok, ambassadors of Filipino basketball, and living proof that heart, harmony, and hard work can light up the brightest stages.

Cover photo courtesy of Facebook. Other photos courtesy of Inquirer Sports, Facebook, GMA Network, ABS-CBN, Tiebreaker Times, Instagram, OneSports.ph, X.com, Olympics.com.