CURRENTLY  hailed as the national basketball team of the Philippines, Gilas Pilipinas proudly represented the country at the FIBA (Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur) Basketball World Cup 2023: Asian Qualifiers which commenced on Aug. 31, 2021 and will end on Aug. 25, 2023. FIBA opens the Asian Qualifiers to 16 teams from Asia-Oceania regions during six “Windows” qualifying games to qualify seven teams to the World Cup that will take place in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan.

Patunayan ang Galing

With the Philippines hosting the World Cup’s Final Phase, they are guaranteed a spot in advancement which also applies to Japan. However, they would still participate in the qualifiers to determine their rankings.

There would be two rounds. In the first round, 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four. The scores of the winning teams shall then be carried over to the second round, where the top three teams from each group will advance. Then a new group will be formed where Philippines and Japan would be taking their prequalified spots in November 2021, February and June 2022. 

The second round will have the teams playing against the three teams from the other groups over three windows with two games per window. The top three teams, in addition to the Philippines and Japan from each group, will participate in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in August and November 2022 and February 2023.

Bangon sa Pagdapa

Due to players testing positive for COVID-19, South Korea decided to skip the February leg and was disqualified despite an appeal. Therefore, Day 1 and 2 of the games did not commence. The remaining countries in Group A are Philippines, New Zealand and India which grants them an automatic advancement to the second round. The three countries would still be playing their respective games to determine their rankings

The match between the Philippines and India showcased the former’s undeniable victory, scoring 88-64. Led by Gilas’ top performer Dwight Ramos, his impressive play pushed for the team’s victory in all four quarters of the game with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal. 

Facing off against New Zealand, the Philippines came up short with a defeat in all four quarters of the game, leading to a final score of 63-88. Thirdy Ravena helped his team in accumulating 23 points while the player alone worked up five rebounds, five assists, five steals, and one block.

Tuloy ang Laban

For Game Day 5 between Philippines (Away) and India (Home) scheduled for Jun. 30, Philippines needs to maintain its lead for a solid win. Same thing goes for their Game Day against New Zealand (Home) scheduled for Jul. 3 in order to close a good win and make up for the recent loss.

With Ramos and Ravena leading the team and headed by Coach Vincent Reyes, the Philippine Team continues to show that regardless of the guaranteed spot, basketball is a sport where Filipinos keep the pride.