TIM Cone is not expecting any easy game when Gilas Pilipinas looks to end its four-game losing skid and revive its FIBA World Cup bid against visiting squads Jordan and Iran next week.
The Philippines will be playing back-to-back homes games against the two strong West Asian teams as the second round of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers begins.
Gilas Pilipinas battles Jordan on Aug. 28, followed by Iran on Aug. 30 with both games scheduled at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“I think countries really try to send their best teams to the window since it's a qualifying for the World Cup, so we expect their best,” Cone told The Manila Times.
The American coach is well aware of the visiting Falcons and Team Melli’s respective preparations for the Asian Qualifiers, where both squads finished tied at 5-1 in Group C after the first round.
“Jordan is participating in the Jones Cup for preparation and Iran has already come in to Manila for their early preparation. So we certainly expect their best,” Cone said.
Gilas Pilipinas has been training in earnest since last Monday, with the national squad getting the needed boost at front court with young big man Kai Sotto rejoining the team.
The 7-foot-3 Sotto last played for the Philippine team on Nov. 21, 2024 when the Philippines beat New Zealand, 93-89, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Sotto’s size and shot blocking ways will surely bring a big frontline boost for Gilas Pilipinas, which enters the second round with a 2-4 record.
“It’s a do-or-die situation and we're extremely happy that he (Sotto) responded to the call,” said Cone.
Gilas won the first two games against Guam at the start of the qualifiers before dropping the next four games against New Zealand and Australia.
Cone explained that beating Iran and Jordan will be imperative as he expects Australia and New Zealand secure the top two spots for Group E in the second round, leaving the Philippines, Jordan, Iran and even Syria to contest the No. 3 spot and secure a World Cup berth.
As per tournament rules, the top three teams per group and the best fourth-placed team will advance to the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Doha, Qatar.
