MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone expects the national team to grind it out beginning with its coming training camp overseas this week.
The national squad left Manila on Tuesday and flew to Brisbane, Australia to pitch camp and acclimatize itself from the expected cold weather as Gilas prepares for the tough battles against the New Zealand Tall Blacks on July 3, followed by the Boomers on July 6.
The road games are part of the third and final window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
“We know it’s gonna be tough. We’re looking forward to it. We’ve been a team that pulls surprises and I’m not gonna be surprised if we pull up surprises,” Cone told sportswriters during the media day and Gilas' send off Monday night at the Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Cone thanked the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for ensuring the Gilas team had ample time to prepare itself for two big games ahead.
“I like the way the SBP has set it up for us in terms of being able to go to Brisbane, acclimatize ourselves to the weather a little bit, then play a couple of friendlies against pro New Zealand teams. I think that’s really good preparation for us,” explained Cone.
The American mentor added they consider each game a “championship game,” or a “Game 7.” “Every game for Gilas is a championship game; it’s a Game 7. We just got to be prepared the best we can,” he stressed.
“I’ve always said ‘a prepared team is a confident team.’ If we are prepared, ready to go, we can be confident, and that will show in our game,” added Cone. “This is really our best chance to do that with the preparation we have had and preparation behind us.”
After the training camp, the Philippine team battles the Manawatu Jets on June 28 in the New Zealand professional team’s Fly Palmy Arena in the Manawatu-Whanganui Region for a friendly match.
Gilas takes on the Bulls at the Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre on June 30.
The Jets and the Bulls play in New Zealand’s National Basketball League, the country’s professional cage loop.
Cone hopes the national squad could pick things up quick as the team tries to snap a two-game skid.
The Philippines bowed to New Zealand, 69-66 in their second window match up last February at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, followed a humiliating 93-66 beating at the hands of Australia.
