Filipino basketball legend Ramon Fernandez opens up on Gilas’ struggles against Oceania teams

The Philippine men’s national basketball team’s 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign came to an end in the quarterfinals after an 84–60 defeat to Australia on Wednesday, August 13, at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena.

Gilas Pilipinas struggled to find its rhythm offensively, shooting just 31% from the field and hitting only 8 of 33 attempts from beyond the arc. Australia, meanwhile, imposed its size and strength, dominating the boards with a 57–36 rebounding edge that set the tone on both ends of the floor.

The loss marked the third straight Asia Cup in which the Philippines failed to reach the semifinals, following early exits in 2017 and 2022. This continued skid is in stark contrast to the program’s back-to-back silver medal finishes in 2013 in Manila and 2015 in Changsha, China.

Basketball legend Ramon Fernandez, in an appearance on Power & Play, reflected on Gilas’ struggles against Oceania opponents such as Australia and New Zealand, stressing the need for stronger preparation.

“Well, that’s sports, that’s basketball. Things don’t always go our way,” Fernandez said. “We just have to continue training and preparing for future tournaments. But we must also admit that Asia feels smaller now, with Australia and New Zealand part of the competition.”

Fernandez acknowledged the Philippines’ lack of size compared to Oceania teams but urged the squad to focus on its own development rather than dwell on disadvantages.

“Wala tayong magagawa. We just have to keep on training and practicing and hope our boys perform to the best of their abilities,” he added.

With more matchups against Australia and New Zealand on the horizon—including four scheduled games in the near future—Gilas faces the challenge of overcoming its Oceania rivals if it hopes to regain footing on the international stage.

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