GILAS Pilipinas came back to the field last June 30 for the last window of the first round, seeking redemption against New Zealand Tallies in Auckland after losing their first game against the Tallies last Feb. 27. The Philippine team eyed for another win against the visiting Young Cagers (India) in Mall of Asia Arena last July 3 where they redeemed themselves and scored another victory against India. The FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ first round started with 16 teams last February 2021, continued in November 2021, and came to its end last July 5, 2022.

Gilas Misfires Against New Zealand

With Dave Ildefonso returning after his recovery from an ankle injury, the team was still missing Ange Kouame, the naturalized player originally from roster 12 after being diagnosed with a meniscal sprain and partial ACL tear, which are all knee injuries. Although undermanned, the line-up of young players was led by Kiefer Ravena and Dwight Ramos who provided guidance to the youngsters to be tougher and go beyond their potential as a team. 

Gilas fell short at the very beginning of the game as the Tallies scored at a fast pace. The team took a second heavy beating against New Zealand following the score of 106-60, leading them to lose the game in Auckland at the EventFinda Stadium on June 30. Though Carlo Tamayo hurt his ankle early in the final quarter, he led the game after he managed to make 16 points, 5 rebounds, and Ramos with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. They struggled to get adequate help from the team to cast points.

On the other hand, the Tall Blacks’ players came out with a strong standing on their own. Dion Prewster scored 15 points, Finn Delany with 14 points and 7 rebounds, Tom Vodanovich with 9 rebounds, and Shea Ili with 4 assists — each one of them contributed to winning the game.

Gilas Bounces Back, Bests India

Despite being outnumbered and facing India with only 10 players — as Ildefonso was ruled out for the game after sustaining knee injury from the last game against New Zealand — Gilas brought its winning hands back after wrapping the first round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against India with a second win following a 79-63 score at Mall of Asia Arena on July 3. “The Saint” Ramos found his grind again, as he bounced back and led the team to victory with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals along with the immense support from Shaun Geoffrey Chiu with 11 rebounds, and Karl Kevin Quiambao with 6 assists. 

The Philippines finished the first round with a 2-2 score in Group A behind New Zealand’s unbeaten Tallies with 4-0, and India which remains defeated with 0-4 standing. Gilas Pilipinas hopes to fill two empty spots as its head coach Nenad Vucinic mentioned Thirdy Ravena and Ray Parks to complete the squad. Only 12 teams will advance to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers which will start this August 2022 until February of 2023. The teams will be competing to qualify for the seven spots that will advance to FIBA World Cup 2023. The Philippine team will continue to play in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers coached by Vučinić and will automatically qualify for World Cup 2023 as it is the host country for the final phase. Hence, the three teams will proceed to the second round this August 2022 facing other groups such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.