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Posts tagged as “Tim Cone”

Gila Pilipinas upset Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

The Philippines National Basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, kicked off their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament campaign in dramatic fashion with an upset victory over host nation Latvia on Wednesday. The final score: 89-80.

This is Philippines first win against a European team in an official FIBA competition since 1960, snapping a 64-year winless streak. The victory comes despite the absence of NBA player Jordan Clarkson, highlighting the depth and resilience of the Gilas Pilipinas squad.

Gilas Pilipinas started the game on an 8-0 run, then Latvia made a run at 21-16, but Gilas ended the 1st quarter on a 11-0 run punctuated by a clutch buzzer-beater by CJ Perez.

In the 2nd quarter, Latvia tried to make a run, but both teams managed to cancel each other out by scoring 22 points in the second period. In the second half, Latvia managed to make the game interesting by limiting Gilas to just 12 points in the final quarter. However, the 16-point lead that Gilas built in the first quarter proved too much for Latvia to overcome. The only consolation for the Latvian National Team is that they have already qualified for the semi-finals, unless Gilas wins by 28 points or more.

Justin Brownlee spearheaded Glias’ offense, scoring a game-high 26 points. He also contributed significantly with 9 rebounds and 9 assists, falling just one assist and rebound short of a coveted triple-double.

Brownlee received a lot help from Kai Sotto chipping-in 18 points and 8 rebounds, and 12 points from Dwight Ramos adding 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Gilas Head coach Tim Cone expressed surprise at the result, but hopes the team will use this momentum for the rest of the tournament.

Gilas next opponent is Georgia, and a win is crucial for Gilas to progress to the semi-finals and a step closer to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Game highlights

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announces Tim Cone as Head Coach for Gilas Pilipinas Men

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) just announced that Tim Cone will be the as Head Coach for Gilas Pilipinas Men. Together with Tim Cone’s announcement, SBP also announced the 12 players roster for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, set this February 2024. The 12 players are composed of current PBA and UAAP players, as well as those playing in the Japanese B-League as imports.

Coach Tim Cone is one of the winningest coach in the PBA, a 25 times champion with 38 Finals appearances. He is currently the head coach of the most popular team in the PBA, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, a gig that he got in 2015.

“Coach Tim accomplished what has not been done in decades with only a few weeks to prepare and multiple challenges in terms of personnel so we’re excited to see what he can accomplish with a long-term program in place especially if such program is supported by all basketball stakeholders.” said SBP President Al Panlilio.

“Earlier this month, coach Tim presented his plans to local leagues from which players will likely be selected from. This program will be put to test this year and adjustments will be made as necessary,” added SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.

The Philippines is also included in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 2 to 7 in Latvia.

The 12 players roster for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers are;
PBA players

  • Scottie Thompson
  • Chris Newsome
  • Calvin Oftana
  • CJ Perez
  • Jamie Malonzo
  • June Mar Fajardo

Japanese B-League imports

  • Dwight Ramos
  • AJ Edu
  • Carl Tamayo
  • Kai Sotto

UAAP

  • Kevin Quiambao

Justin Brownlee is also listed as a naturalized player but this is still waiting FIBA’s approval.

The 13-man Roster of Gilas Pilipinas for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China

These are the 13-man Roster of Gilas Pilipinas who will compete for the Men’s Basketball of the 19th Asian Games;

  1. Calvin Abueva
  2. Terrence Romeo
  3. June Mar Fajardo
  4. Scottie Thompson
  5. Roger Pogoy
  6. Japeth Aguilar
  7. Justin Brownlee
  8. Ange Kouame
  9. Stanley Pringle
  10. Chris Newsome
  11. Calvin Oftana
  12. Jason Perkins
  13. Mo Tautuaa

Gilas is included in Group C with Jordan, Bahrain and Thailand.

Gilas Pilipinas new Head Coach will be Tim Cone, with Richard del Rosario, Jong Uichico, LA Tenorio, and Josh Reyes as his assistant coaches.

The 5×5 basketball of the 19th Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium, Zhejiang University Zijingang Gymnasium and Shaoxing Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium from September 26 to October 6, and the final in Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium, where the athletes will compete for 2 gold medals.