PASAY CITY (Philippines) - This present iteration of the Philippines continue to amaze after adding another highly-ranked team to their list of victims on Thursday night.
Gilas accomplished what the previous batches could not, outlasting New Zealand in a down-the-wire affair, 93-89, to author easily one of the biggest developments to have taken place in the second window of the ongoing FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
We haven't seen our best team yet.
Truly significant was the result - witnessed live by 11,686 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena - for it not only moved the crew a win away from returning to the main stage but laid to rest a harrowing winless four-game spell against the Tall Blacks as well.
And it happened just four months after they shocked the world in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which witnessed the Filipino dribblers stun world no. 6 Latvia in the latter's very own stomping grounds at the Arena Riga, 89-80.
For the uninitiated, it was the first time in 64 years that the Philippines beat a European team in an official FIBA competition or since defeating Spain, 84-82, during the preliminary round of the 1960 Olympic Games held in Rome, Italy.
So, that's two elite teams that this batch have taken the scalp of, giving Filipino hoop fans renewed hope as they've been seeing major progress from the national team following the major changes that took place entering the Qualifiers.
"That's what we're here for, right? It's to win these types of games," said head coach Tim Cone, who was appointed to take the helm back in late-January - three months after steering the country to its first Asian Games gold medal since 1962.
But what actually makes the veteran bench tactician prouder is the fact that they are still scratching the surface despite having chalked up these big wins.
As impressive as Gilas have been as of late, they remain in the process of putting together their best team as injuries have quite become an issue.
Since the Continental Cup Qualifiers began, the men's team has yet to practice and play with a fully healthy lineup. Back in the Asia Cup Qualifiers' first window, June Mar Fajardo was only on the bench as he was still recovering from a calf issue then.
Scottie Thompson (back) and Jamie Malonzo (calf) would be on the sidelines as well come the OQT, where they'd also be joined by Kai Sotto as a rib injury forced him to sit out their Semi-Final duel against Brazil in which they eventually lost, 71-60.
Malonzo hasn't played since April although he remains part of their compact yet intact pool as he was named part of the 15-man roster for the November window.
Also included was AJ Edu although the young big man is still doubtful to see action due to a knee injury he suffered in the B.League earlier this month. The 24-year-old was not a part of the 12-man lineup that competed against New Zealand.
"So, we played Brazil, the No. 12 team in the world," Cone recalled, "without Kai, without Scottie, without AJ Edu who will eventually impact us because of his defensive skills and really compliment Kai and some of the things that he does."
"And, Jamie Malonzo as a stopper," he added. "You put a Jamie Malonzo, a 6'7", 6'6" quick guy on a Corey Webster, he's gonna give Corey Webster all kinds of problems because he has that speed and quickness and length to get him in trouble."
Cone and perhaps some fans can't help but wonder had Malonzo been there to defend Corey Webster, who gave the Philippines the fits as he shot 9-of-15 from the field, including an excellent 5-of-6 from deep, for a game-high 25 points.
So, we're still trying to see exactly where we can go, and how far we can go.
Still, they found a way to come out triumphant, and that's big thanks to the constants that came through like Justin Brownlee, Kai Sotto and Chris Newsome - all of which pulled off crucial plays down the stretch to help complete the huge upset.
Brownlee finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds, alongside 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Sotto, on the other hand, registered 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, together with a steal and a pair of blocks.
Providing solid contributions as well were Fajardo and Thompson as the PBA MVPs teamed up for the first time in the FIBA stage since the World Cup last year.
"There was a lot of attention on the game and our guys were pressured to win. And they found a way. I'm proud of 'em," expressed Cone.
As proud as he is, though, the 66-year-old mentor believes that the best is yet to come for his Gilas. For sure, their compatriots are crossing their fingers, too.
"You know, we haven't seen our best team yet. And yet, we've been able to beat the no. 6 and the no. 22," said Cone, who's been coaching since 1989. "So, we're still trying to see exactly where we can go, and how far we can go."
FIBA