Tim Cone warns Gilas Pilipinas not to underestimate Guam in FIBA Asian Qualifiers opener

The Philippine men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, begins its road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup on Friday, November 28, when they face Guam in the first window of the Asian Qualifiers.

Gilas enter the home-and-away clash as clear favorites, but head coach Tim Cone has warned his players not to underestimate their opponents, knowing that a strong start is crucial to their World Cup ambitions.

“If we don’t win this window, then we won’t make the World Cup. They got Tai Wesley, who has tremendous footwork at the post. You got Jonathan Galloway, who jumps out of the gym and is super athletic. And then you have Gabriel Simon, who is a lights-out three-point shooter,” Cone said during a media interaction.

SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR 🇵🇭☝️

Gilas Pilipinas aim for an all-out start as they face Guam for their first game in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers Window 1 this November 28, Friday at 5:00 p.m.! #GilasPilipinas #FIBAWCQ pic.twitter.com/qVcPjzD45W

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) November 27, 2025

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“They are not going to be a deep team where they are going to play all 12 guys, unlike us, where we have depth one through 12,” he added.

The final Gilas roster features stalwarts such as Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, and Japeth Aguilar. Quentin Millora-Brown is set to make his Gilas debut, while Carl Tamayo and AJ Edu joined the squad on Monday, November 25.

Cone emphasized that despite their depth and talent, the team cannot take anything for granted.

“We have got to come with our best foot forward. We can’t take anything for granted with them being at home in front of their home crowd,” he concluded.

The opening game of the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers between Philippines and Guam tips off on Friday, November 28, at the Calvo Fieldhouse in Yigo Village.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.