Sports News PH’s Top 5 Gilas Pilipinas Moments of 2025

The year 2025 was another remarkable chapter for Gilas Pilipinas, filled with historic triumphs, unforgettable performances, and memorable milestones across all levels of Philippine basketball. From the men’s and women’s teams defending their Southeast Asian Games crowns to thrilling World Cup qualifying victories and breakout moments by the next generation of stars, the national programs showcased resilience, talent, and heart on the regional and international stage. Here’s a look at the Top 5 Gilas Pilipinas moments of 2025 that defined the year for Philippine basketball.

1. Gilas Pilipinas Defends SEA Games Gold Amid Chaos and Roster Challenges

Gilas Pilipinas reaffirmed its status as Southeast Asia’s basketball powerhouse by successfully defending the men’s basketball gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand—an achievement widely regarded as one of the toughest title runs in recent memory. The campaign was riddled with uncertainty as shifting eligibility rules and restrictions on passport and naturalized players forced Gilas to compete without several first-choice options, testing the team’s depth and adaptability throughout the tournament.

Despite the hurdles, Gilas navigated a grueling schedule and delivered when it mattered most. In the gold-medal match against host Thailand, the Filipinos stared down a 13-point deficit before mounting a resilient comeback to secure a 70–64 victory. Veteran forward Jamie Malonzo anchored the turnaround with a commanding all-around performance, posting 17 points, 12 rebounds, five steals, and three assists to lead the charge.

Coach Norman Black later called it “the hardest gold medal I’ve ever been a part of,” a sentiment that captured the significance of the triumph. The victory marked Gilas’ 20th men’s basketball gold in SEA Games history and underscored the program’s ability to sustain regional dominance even under less-than-ideal circumstances—highlighting the depth, grit, and heart of Philippine basketball.

2. Justin Brownlee Saves Gilas with Clutch Three in FIBA Asia Cup 2025

When Gilas Pilipinas needed a hero, Justin Brownlee once again delivered on the biggest stage. The naturalized forward drilled a pressure-packed three to force overtime before the Philippines pulled away for a 95-88 victory over host Saudi Arabia in the Qualification to the Quarterfinals of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 at King Abdullah Sports City.

Brownlee capped the night with a game-high 29 points, knocking down three triples while adding five assists and four rebounds in a vintage all-around performance that reinforced his reputation as Gilas’ go-to closer in high-stakes moments. 

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GOLD FOR THE UNDISPUTED KINGS OF ASEAN BASKETBALL

GILAS PILIPINAS MEN (TEAM F) DEFEAT HOST THAILAND (TEAM A) IN THE 2025 SEA GAMES FINAL!

20X SEA GAMES GOLD
5X FIBA ASIA CUP CHAMPIONS
5X ASIAN GAMES GOLD

| #SEAGames2025 pic.twitter.com/uu289Egafr

— Torey Canino (@tj_canino) December 19, 2025

3. Gilas Pilipinas Women Reclaims SEA Games Gold After Tough Road

Gilas Pilipinas Women capped a remarkable campaign at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok by reclaiming the women’s basketball title with a hard‑fought 73–70 victory over host Thailand in the gold medal game at the Nimibutr National Stadium. The win marked the Philippines’ third women’s basketball gold in the last four SEA Games editions, underscoring the program’s growing strength and consistency on the regional stage.

The Filipinas opened their SEA Games run with a strong 76–67 win over Malaysia and followed it up with a dominant 92–59 triumph against Singapore, setting the tone for their title defense. In the semifinals, they took down Indonesia 66–55 to reach the gold medal game, where they withstood Thailand’s pressure in a thrilling finish. Key contributors included Afril Bernardino (19 points, 12 rebounds) and Kacey dela Rosa (17 points, 16 rebounds), whose all‑around efforts helped fuel the victory.

4. Back‑to‑Back Wins in 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and the Farewell to Japeth Aguilar

Gilas Pilipinas began its campaign for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with authority, posting back‑to‑back victories over Guam to sweep the first window of Group A action and establish a perfect 2‑0 start. The Nationals opened with a dominant 87–46 road win on November 28, then followed with a 95–71 home triumph at the Blue Eagle Gym, showcasing their depth, efficiency, and defensive discipline early in the qualifying cycle. Their victories not only helped Gilas top the group alongside Australia but also powered a rise in the FIBA World Rankings, with the Philippines climbing to No. 36—a testament to the team’s early success.

The pair of wins was more than just a strong start; it also marked a poignant chapter in Gilas history. Veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, a stalwart of the national team for nearly two decades, played his final game for the Philippines in the second Guam matchup, closing out an illustrious Gilas career that included multiple championship runs and deep tournament appearances. Prior to tip‑off, Aguilar was honored with a framed Gilas jersey in a moving tribute that celebrated his contributions and impact on Philippine basketball.

5. Tiffany Reyes Delivers Birthday Game-Winner for Gilas Pilipinas Girls in FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas Girls kept their FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup hopes alive with a dramatic buzzer-beater from birthday girl Tiffany Reyes, lifting the Philippines past South Korea, 77–75, at the Arena Seremban in Malaysia. The victory marked the program’s first-ever win in Division A and secured a playoff berth for the semifinals, making it a historic milestone for the young Nationals.

Facing a 10-point deficit early in the third quarter (51–41), the Filipinas mounted a determined comeback, sparked by a 15–6 run that brought the game back into striking distance. In the final moments, Reyes battled through three Korean defenders for the rebound and calmly drained the game-winning jumper, delivering a personal birthday gift to her team.

The 15-year-old guard finished with 16 points, including four triples, along with three rebounds, showcasing poise, skill, and clutch performance beyond her years. This breakthrough win not only advanced Gilas in the tournament but also highlighted the rising talent pipeline in Philippine women’s basketball.

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