What we learned from Gilas’ 2025 FIBA Asia Cup stint

Depth Matters More Than Ever

The 2025 Asia Cup reinforced a simple truth: depth wins tournaments. Gilas’ reliance on a core unit was evident, and while the starting five often delivered during high-pressure stretches, the team struggled to maintain momentum when key players rested. The bench — spirited but inconsistent — couldn’t always match the pace or intensity needed against top-tier Asian squads. Role players like Carl Tamayo and Jamie Malonzo often remained underutilized, limiting the team’s tactical flexibility. Against disciplined teams like Australia and New Zealand, those scoring droughts or defensive lapses became costly.

A deeper, more trusted rotation is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity. To compete at the highest level, Coach Tim Cone will need to find ways to integrate more players into meaningful minutes, giving stars time to recover while maintaining a high level of play on both ends of the floor. The goal is to create a balanced attack where anyone in the lineup can contribute, forcing opponents to defend every player on the court and preventing over-reliance on a few.

The Heart of Gilas Remains Unbreakable

Even in defeat, the team’s grit was on full display. From diving for loose balls to contesting every rebound, Gilas showed the trademark fighting spirit that has long defined Philippine basketball. They refused to be intimidated by bigger, stronger, and more experienced squads, often making games competitive even when outmatched physically. This resilience kept the Philippines within striking distance in several key matches, energizing both the players and the fans.

Shooting Consistency Could Be the X-Factor

When Gilas found its range from beyond the arc, they became a completely different team — difficult to defend and able to stretch opposing defenses. The problem was that those hot stretches were inconsistent. Shooting above and below 30% from deep throughout the tournament left the offense stagnant at times, forcing them into difficult drives or contested mid-range shots. Opponents quickly capitalized, packing the paint and daring Gilas to shoot their way back into games.

Addressing this weakness will be critical moving forward. Whether it’s through developing current players into more reliable marksmen or recruiting specialists with a Jeff Chan or Marcio Lassiter-style skillset, Gilas needs a consistent floor-spacer who can punish defenses and create driving lanes. This would not only diversify their offense but also relieve pressure from the likes of Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, and Scottie Thompson, who often had to force plays when spacing broke down.

The Future Is Bright—If the Work Continues

The silver lining of the Asia Cup campaign was the emergence of young talents ready to shoulder bigger responsibilities. Dwight Ramos shone brightest, delivering a breakout 21-point performance with timely three-pointers to help secure a crucial win over Iraq and push Gilas into the quarterfinals. Kevin Quiambao demonstrated his value as a versatile inside-out threat, while AJ Edu brought much-needed defensive presence, anchoring the paint with shot-blocking, steals, and rebounds. Carl Tamayo, recently being named the KBL’s third round MVP, along with these other under-26 players, represents the foundation of a promising future core.

Building on this potential will require a long-term approach. More international exposure, continuous skill development, and competitive tune-up games will help accelerate their growth. With proper investment and a clear vision, this generation could lead the Philippines into a new era of sustained success, ensuring that the lessons from 2025 become the building blocks for even greater achievements.

Brownlee’s Clutch DNA and Team Resilience

Once again, Justin Brownlee proved why he’s considered the heartbeat of Gilas in crunch time. His game-tying triple against Saudi Arabia in the dying seconds of regulation was a reminder of his poise and ability to deliver under pressure. That shot fueled an overtime surge and secured a 95-88 win that kept the Philippines alive in the tournament. His leadership extended beyond scoring — rallying teammates during difficult stretches and providing stability in chaotic moments.

Yet, the wear and tear of the PBA’s grueling three-conference schedule ahead of the Asia Cup showed on the roster’s Gilas veterans like June Mar Fajardo who was not as effective for Gilas and also CJ Perez, and Calvin Oftana who suffered injuries making Gilas utilize a 10-man lineup for their bout with Australia. This highlights the need for careful workload management leading into major tournaments, ensuring players are fresh and ready to perform at their peak when it matters most.

What Comes Next

Gilas’ top-eight finish marked a step forward from their ninth-place showing in 2022, but the mission is far from complete. The next major challenge will be the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers beginning November 2025, where they’ll face Guam, New Zealand, and Australia. Coach Tim Cone remains committed to his long-term vision — building chemistry, staying the course, and evolving the core to compete consistently at the international level.

With a talented mix of veterans and rising stars, plus the experience gained from this Asia Cup run, Gilas Pilipinas stands at a crossroads. They can either treat this campaign as just another chapter or as the turning point toward a stronger, deeper, and more balanced national team. The path forward is clear — keep working, keep improving, and make every setback a setup for the comeback.

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