Genela Nicolas

Gilas Pilipinas is set to compete in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 which takes place from August 5 to 17 in King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

Photo Courtesy of FIBA.

The national team made an impressive run in the qualifiers, finishing off a 4-2 record in Group B, placing second behind New Zealand to earn an automatic slot in the continental tournament.

Gilas opened their campaign with a 94-64 win against Hongkong in February 2024, followed by a sweep 106-53 victory against Chinese Taipei making use of their homecourt advantage. 

In November 2024, Gilas pulled off a momentous 93-89 upset over New Zealand, their first-ever FIBA success against Tall Blacks. They then secured their spot with a 93-54 home win over Hongkong, having a clean 4-0 start. 

However, the Philippines dropped its final two assignments in February 2025, falling 91–84 to Chinese Taipei and 87–70 to New Zealand.

In the main draw, Gilas landed in Group D with Chinese Taipei, Iraq, and New Zealand. 

Only the top team advances to the quarterfinals, while the second and third teams will play in the qualification round. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines will open its campaign on August 6 (Philippine time) against Chinese Taipei. 

Leading the charge is naturalized forward Justine Brownlee, who averaged  21.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and five assists per game during the qualifiers. Kai Sotto will continue to anchor the paint with consistent double-double efforts, while Dwight Ramos brings versatility to the floor. 

Currently ranked 34th in the world, the national team is determined to improve on its ninth-place finish in the 2022 edition. 

Gilas Pilipinas is looking to regain its place among Asia’s best as it heads to the competition, as it prepares for the 2027 FIBA ​​​​​​World Cup and the upcoming Olympic qualifiers.