MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas will be holding an open practice for fans as a fitting send off this coming Monday at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan on June 22, before leaving the next day for Auckland, New Zealand.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas made the official announcement over the weekend as Gilas continues its preparations for the final window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
The Philippine team, as per coach Tim Cone, will be holding a training camp in Auckland, as part of its preparations for the final window for the coming two away games.
The American mentor said given the cold weather in New Zealand, the players will have to acclimatize early, before plunging into action against the Tall Blacks.
Gilas clashes with New Zealand on July 3, followed by world basketball powerhouse Australia on July 6.
Cone knows things won’t be easy for the national squad against New Zealand, which beat Gilas, 69-66 in their second window match last February at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
A few days after that, Gilas suffered an embarrassing 93-66 beating at the hands of Australia.
The national squad won’t be at full strength with its two top front court players Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown unavailable.
Still, Cone hopes to get the most out of former La Salle and UAAP star Mike Phillips and Converge big man Justine Baltazar, who were named to the final 12 recently.
The two new additions will join Ginebra stars Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos.
Also in the final 12 are shot blocking Fil-Cypriot AJ Edu, nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player of June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Carl Tamayo.
Gilas is tied with New Zealand in Group A with an even 2-2 record behind undefeated Australia at 4-0.
Guam is winless at 0-4.
