Louie Sison
The Philippines men’s national basketball team, commonly known as Gilas Pilipinas, is on a mission to end the country’s decades-long Olympic basketball drought.
The team last competed in the Olympics in the 1972 Munich Games and is now gearing up for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia from July 2 to 7, 2024.
The Road to the OQT
Gilas Pilipinas earned a spot in the OQT after finishing 24th in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The team missed out on the direct Olympic berth awarded to the best Asian team, which went to Japan.
The OQT in Riga is one of four tournaments that will determine the final four teams to qualify for the Paris Olympics. The other three OQTs will be held simultaneously in Valencia, Spain; Piraeus, Greece; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Gilas Pilipinas’ OQT Grouping and Schedule
Gilas Pilipinas was drawn into Group A of the Riga OQT alongside host nation Latvia (ranked 6th in the world) and Georgia (ranked 23rd). Brazil (12th), Cameroon (68th), and Montenegro (17th) make up Group B.
The Filipinos will play two games in as many days:
- Philippines vs Latvia: Thursday, July 4, 12:00 AM Philippine time
- Philippines vs Georgia: Thursday, July 4, 8:30 PM Philippine time
The top two teams from each group will advance to the crossover semifinals, with the winners facing off in a winner-take-all final for the lone Olympic spot.
The Gilas Pilipinas Roster
Head coach Tim Cone finalized the 11-man Gilas Pilipinas roster for the OQT:
| Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Brownlee | Forward | Pelita Jaya (Indonesia) |
| June Mar Fajardo | Center | San Miguel Beermen (Philippines) |
| Japeth Aguilar | Forward | Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (Philippines) |
| Calvin Oftana | Forward | TNT Tropang Giga (Philippines) |
| Dwight Ramos | Guard | Levanga Hokkaido (Japan) |
| Kai Sotto | Center | Yokohama B-Corsairs (Japan) |
| CJ Perez | Guard | San Miguel Beermen (Philippines) |
| Chris Newsome | Guard | Meralco Bolts (Philippines) |
| Kevin Quiambao | Forward | De La Salle University (Philippines) |
| Carl Tamayo | Forward | Changwon LG Sakers (South Korea) |
| Mason Amos | Guard | Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines) |
Notable absences include Scottie Thompson, AJ Edu, and Jamie Malonzo due to injuries. Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson is also not part of the lineup.
Coach Cone decided to stick with the 11-man roster despite Thompson’s late withdrawal. “We’re 11 strong,” he said. “I don’t feel we’re shorthanded at all.”
Preparation and Tune-up Games
Gilas Pilipinas opened its training camp on June 21 and played a tune-up game against Turkey on June 24 before flying to Europe on June 25.
The team also played friendly matches against the national teams of Turkey and Poland as part of their preparations. Although they lost both games, the experience of facing top European teams ranked in the top 30 is invaluable for the OQT campaign.
Scouting the Opposition
Latvia
Ranked 6th in the world, Latvia is the heavy favorite to win the Riga OQT. They are coached by Italian tactician Luca Banchi, who led them to a surprising 5th place finish in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Latvia boasts a talented roster that includes NBA players Davis Bertans (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics), although Porzingis may miss the OQT due to injury.
Other key players include point guard Arturs Zagars, who set the World Cup record with 17 assists against Lithuania, and Italian league mainstay Jānis Strēlnieks.
Georgia
Coached by Serbia’s Aleksandar Džikic, Georgia is ranked 23rd in the world and finished 16th in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Georgia will parade a formidable frontline bannered by 6-foot-11 center Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic), 6-foot-9 power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (San Antonio Spurs), 6-foot-9 power forward Toko Shengelia (Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna), and 7-foot-1 center Giorgi Shermadini (Tenerife).
Bitadze led Georgia in scoring (13.6 points) and rebounding (7.8) in the World Cup, while Mamukelashvili normed 12.8 points.
Keys to Success for Gilas Pilipinas
Gilas Pilipinas faces a daunting task against taller, more experienced European opponents. To have a chance at pulling off an upset and securing the Olympic berth, the team must:
- Play to their strengths: The Filipinos are known for their speed, quickness, and outside shooting. They must use these to their advantage to overcome the size disparity.
- Maximize Justin Brownlee: As a naturalized player, Brownlee gives Gilas added firepower and versatility. His scoring and playmaking will be crucial, especially down the stretch.
- Get big games from Sotto and Fajardo: Kai Sotto and June Mar Fajardo need to hold their own against the likes of Porzingis, Bitadze, and Shermadini. Their interior presence is a must on both ends.
- Limit turnovers: Possessions will be at a premium against disciplined European teams. Gilas must take care of the ball and avoid costly mistakes.
- Have a next-man-up mentality: With a short rotation, everyone must be ready to step up when called upon. The team’s depth and resilience will be tested.
What’s at Stake
A victory in the OQT will send Gilas Pilipinas to the Paris Olympics and end the Philippines’ 52-year Olympic basketball drought. It will be a historic achievement for a country where basketball is a way of life.
However, even just a strong showing against world-class competition will be a source of pride for the Filipino nation. As Coach Cone put it, “We will try our very best.”
Where to Watch
Fans can catch Gilas Pilipinas’ OQT games live on One Sports, One Sports+, and Pilipinas Live, with replays on RPTV. The matches will also be available live and on-demand for free on the Smart LiveStream app for subscribers of all networks.
The Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan will also host free watch parties for both games.
Wrapping Up
The road to the Olympics is never easy, but Gilas Pilipinas is ready for the challenge. Armed with talent, heart, and the support of millions of Filipinos, the team will leave it all on the court in Riga.
Win or lose, Gilas Pilipinas has already won the admiration of the nation for their sacrifice and dedication. They carry the hopes and dreams of a basketball-crazy country on their shoulders.
As the OQT approaches, the whole Philippines is united in prayer and support. In the end, that is what truly matters—a nation coming together as one to cheer on its heroes.
Laban Pilipinas! Puso!
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