Gilas the favorite against Chinese Taipei? Cone believes otherwise

PASIG (Philippines) - History is in favor of the Philippines against Chinese Taipei in FIBA competitions, but head coach Tim Cone downplayed being tagged as the favorites.

The familiar foes are bound for a collision course in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Sunday at the Philsports Arena and the veteran mentor expressed concern about their opponents, based on what he has seen from them in the recent competitions they've taken part in.

“...but as long as we compete, as long as we continue to compete for the top spots in these windows and such, then we’ll be learning along the way as we go.

"I've been hearing around that we’re such heavy favorites against Chinese Taipei and I’m watching their video and... Wow, this team is really strong," said Cone. "They got good size, they shoot the ball extremely well, they play with pace, and they’ve been together for a long time."

A quick look back at old records shows that the Filipino dribblers have won four of their last six meetings against Chinese Taipei in FIBA play. Their last two wins came in the First Round of the World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers, which included a dominant 93-71 victory.

The last time a Philippine team bowed to Chinese Taipei happened in Asia Cup 2013 in Manila, an 84-79 decision in the Group Phase.

But then again, that kind of edge doesn't make Cone any less worried about Sunday's bout. Aside from the last year's William Jones Cup, the 65-year-old cited the run they had in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where they finished fourth for the second time in a row.

"They played the Jones Cup against [PBA team] Rain or Shine, they played in the Asian Games and finished fourth, losing to China in the knockout game," he recalled, as Chinese Taipei lost to the host country in the battle for the bronze medal by way of a 101-73 result.

One key piece of this current Gilas batch in Chris Newsome knows a thing or two as well about Chinese Taipei and their prowess, having been familiar with some of their players when he and his PBA team, the Meralco Bolts, played in the East Asia Super League (EASL).

"Chinese Taipei has always been a tough opponent for the Philippines," offered the seasoned guard, who's part of the team that brought home the Asian Games gold. "They have proven time and time again that they can compete at a high-level and do it with a lot of grit and tenacity."

"After playing in the EASL this past season, you can definitely tell that they take pride in their basketball programs. They have very talented players with a great support system. It’s going to be a good test for both programs, giving the fans a taste of what’s to come in the future."

But Gilas need not look too far to remind themselves of what's coming. Chinese Taipei are coming off an 89-69 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in a rough start to their Asia Cup Qualifiers campaign, but the score doesn't tell the whole story of how the game went.

Before the Tall Blacks caught fire in the final frame behind Ethan Rusbatch, they had to endure a taxing challenge by Chinese Taipei, which even led by a field goal in the early goings.

Cone's side, on the other hand, is coming off a 30-point conquest of Hong Kong, China at the Tsuen Wan Stadium but the team remains grounded, for they are still taking baby steps toward the goal the champion bench tactician is aiming for the program: continuity.

"It's a team that we’re going to have to really reckon with. We’re going to need every support we can get, because we’re still searching for ourselves. We haven’t found ourselves by any means and we don’t expect to at this point," offered Cone.

"We know that we’re not going to be as good now as we are in the next two or three windows, but we do feel that we found a foundation," he added. "It’s not an All-Star team, this is a team that we’re going to keep together and it’s going to have its issues."

"We’re not going to win every game, we’re going to lose a few games along the way, but as long as we compete, as long as we continue to compete for the top spots in these windows and such, then we’ll be learning along the way as we go," Cone continued.

FIBA