After Gilas Pilipinas’ victorious but challenging start against Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers, Coach Tim Cone emphasized the need for the team to elevate their game ahead of their match against Chinese Taipei. Despite a 94-64 win that showcased the Philippines’ basketball prowess, Cone expressed concerns over the team’s initial performance, particularly during the first half of the game.
The national team, cheered on by a crowd of overseas Filipino workers at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, began with promise but soon found themselves under pressure from Hong Kong. It wasn’t until Dwight Ramos sparked a decisive 12-0 run in the third quarter that Gilas firmly took control, a turnaround that underscored the potential for improvement.
Cone attributed the early game struggles to the team’s initial outing together but was quick to highlight that there’s significant room for growth. Star players Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto, despite their commendable contributions, echoed Cone’s sentiments, acknowledging the victory as a learning opportunity and a test of their capabilities.
The forthcoming game against Chinese Taipei presents a formidable challenge, as indicated by the latter’s competitive performance against New Zealand. Cone stressed the importance of playing “a lot, lot better” to ensure success in their next encounter.
As Gilas Pilipinas gears up for this crucial matchup, the focus is on applying lessons learned from the Hong Kong game and making necessary adjustments. The team’s ability to adapt and improve will be crucial as they aim to continue their quest in the Fiba World Cup qualifiers, with the support of their fans and the guidance of their experienced coach leading the way.