MANILA, Philippines — Coach Tim Cone isn’t surprised to see a fair-sized Filipino community watch and support the national team in its 92-61 shellacking of Manawatu Jets in their friendly game at the Palmerton North in New Zealand.
“Not surprised. It's the same everywhere we go and it's wonderful,” Cone told the Manila Times.
The American said they even took the time to sign autographs with the Pinoy fans, who provided the hometown feel at the Fly Palmy Arena, home of the Jets.
Yes the players stayed on the court and signed autographs for 30 minutes after the game,” he said.
Despite encountering travel woes coming from Brisbane, Australia, and having to brave the cold weather, Cone and the Gilas team still spent time with the Filipino fans, who hosted them with a dinner.
“We had a program and dinner with the Filipino community in a function room in the coliseum,” he added.
Gilas has had such warm reception everywhere the team goes, thanks in large part to Filipinos who are either working overseas, grew up outside the country or have served as permanent residents.
Cone hopes to capitalize on the big Pinoy community, knowing they can provide the home court atmosphere when Gilas plays the New Zealand Tall Blacks on July 3 in Auckland.
The Tall Blacks felt the Filipino fans’ solid presence, though the home team managed to essay an 87-70 win against Gilas at the Spark Arena in Auckland in their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Feb. 23, 2025.
