MANILA (Philippines) - Gilas Pilipinas gears up for another shot at Olympic glory as they participate in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Riga, Latvia.
Leading the charge is head coach Tim Cone, a multi-titled champion who has already etched his name in Philippine basketball history. However, this tournament in Riga marks his first foray into the high-pressure environment of Olympic qualification.
Cone's coaching resume speaks volumes. He is the most successful coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) with a record-breaking 25 championships under his belt.
His Midas touch extended to the national team as well, steering Gilas Pilipinas to a dominant gold medal finish at the 2022 Asian Games and a repeat performance at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
But this FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) presents a different challenge altogether. Here, the Philippines will face teams ranked considerably higher, all vying for a single Olympic berth.
Can Cone translate his domestic and continental success to the global stage and propel the Philippines to its first Olympic appearance in basketball since 1972?
They're starting on the back foot, especially as Gilas will enter the OQT relatively shorthanded.
Unyielding Resolve
One key player who won't play is star guard Scottie Thompson. However, his absence won't see a replacement, as the team heads to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia, with its 11-man roster intact.
Cone confirmed that the team opted not to bring in a substitute for Thompson, sidelined by a persistent back injury. He insisted: "We’re 11 strong but I don’t feel we’re shorthanded at all. I’m not a guy who plays 11 or 12 guys anyway. You know me, I don’t play that many guys. I’m really an eight or nine-man rotation." Injuries have plagued the team, with AJ Edu (knee) and Jamie Malonzo (calf) also missing the OQT. The Philippines will face world No. 6 Latvia and No. 23 Georgia in the Group Phase. Gilas Pilipinas addressed the absences of Edu and Malonzo by bringing in Japeth Aguilar and former U18 standout Mason Amos as early as April.
I feel like I'm a caretaker of something very sacred, being the head coach of Gilas. It's something that I grew up with, witnessed, and been a part of. I'm excited to be a part of it.
After years of changing players and coaches, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) opted for stability by drafting a four-year program, appointing a head coach for the duration, and selecting players for the team by moving away from the old system of naming a new pool for each tournament.
Cone was officially appointed in early 2024.
A Nation's Aspiration
Having ended a 61-year Asian Games gold medal drought, Cone's next significant goal is to break another long-standing barrier.
The Philippines haven't competed in the Olympics since the 1972 Munich Games, presenting a fresh challenge to say the least.
"Whether it be Paris or L.A. in four years, our goal is to make it to the Olympics," Cone declared.
"And we do that by either qualifying in Latvia or by being the best Asian team in the [2027 FIBA Basketball] World Cup."
A Historic Opportunity
The entire Philippines will be watching intently as Gilas Pilipinas pursues Olympic glory. Cone's coaching prowess is unquestionable.
Whether he can translate his domestic success to the international stage and lead Gilas Pilipinas to a historic Olympic return remains to be seen.
The climb, of course, just got steeper with their latest injuries.
But one thing is certain: the nation will hold its breath, united in support of their beloved team as they strive for a spot on the Olympic stage. FIBA