Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee throughout a recreation in opposition to Egypt within the Doha Worldwide Cup in Qatar.–QATAR BASKETBALL FEDERATION
Gilas Pilipinas was again on the highway once more on Tuesday, the squad trying surprisingly refreshed and filled with zest regardless of a pair of setbacks suffered in Qatar and going for back-to-back flights for the third and ultimate window of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.
“I’m excited—and I’m positive all people else is, particularly after shedding up to now two video games in Doha,” naturalized ace Justin Brownlee mentioned. “I’m positive all people’s excited to get again on the court docket and get a win.”
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Already certified for the flagship continental meet that might be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August, Crew Philippines appears to maintain its pristine report with a repeat in opposition to Chinese language Taipei in a return match slated this Thursday at 7 p.m. at Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
“It’s undoubtedly robust. Three, 4 nations in only a matter of days?,” mentioned comebacking middle AJ Edu. “[But] on the finish of the day, it’s a blessing to journey and a blessing to have the ability to symbolize the nation.”
The rematch in opposition to Chinese language-Taipei can even afford an opportunity for this system to permit standouts—corresponding to barely-utilized Mason Amos, program returnee Troy Rosario and now-fit Jamie Malonzo—to get right into a groove proper earlier than taking over New Zealand in Auckland in a highly-anticipated grudge match on Sunday.
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“As robust because it was, the most important factor that I’ve acquired out of it—and regardless of the video games not going our manner—was the enjoyment of having the ability to play once more for the nation,” Edu added. “And all glory to God for that.”
Edu might be enjoying his first official Gilas recreation since hurting his knee whereas fulfilling membership duties in Japan. He final donned the Philippine tri-colors within the Fiba World Cup held in Manila again in 2023.
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The 6-foot-10 defensive whiz might be put by way of the wringer with Kai Sotto out as a retooled Chinese language squad is fielding its different naturalized ace, 7-foot Brandon Gilbeck.
A win by Gilas will enhance its possibilities of tabbing a great seeing within the Jeddah meet the place regional powerhouses like Japan and world No. 7 Australia await.
However extra importantly, it should permit nationwide coach Tim Cone to recalibrate this system’s roadmap with Sotto on the mend.
Gilas has been an amazing chief in effectivity all through the Asia Cup qualifiers, its 134.3 score beating out the likes of the Aussies (126.00), Lebanon (115.3) and outdated rival China (112). Sadly, a lot of that standing was constructed on the shoulders of Sotto, who was nothing wanting prolific within the first two home windows with a double-double common of 15.5 factors and 12.5 rebounds.
Cone mentioned in a earlier interview that Sotto is out for no less than 9 months, which just about guidelines out the 7-foot-3 middle not only for the Asia Cup, but additionally for different competitions this yr.
“Like I all the time say about accidents, it’s virtually merciless to say it, however this has all the time been the philosophy: you are feeling unhealthy about accidents for 10 minutes, you then transfer on,” Cone had mentioned. “As a result of there’s nothing you are able to do about it.” INQ
