After the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee accepted Gilas Pilipinas’ re-entry into the 2018 Asian Games, the committee decided to regroup the Philippines.
Palestine withdrew from the competition, leaving Group D with just two teams. As a result, the Philippines was moved to that group together with 29th-ranked China and 68th-ranked Kazakhstan.
Initially, the Philippines was in Group B together with Iran (25), Syria (87), and UAE (125).
Instead of needing two wins to advance to the quarterfinals, Gilas now needs to win one to advance.
The Philippines and Kazakhstan are also grouped together in the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, with the country hosting the Kazakhs on November 30 before going on the road on February 24.
The last time Gilas and Kazakhstan met was back in the 2013 FIBA Asia Cup, with the Philippines coming out on top 88-58 in the quarterfinals.
On the other hand, Gilas came out triumphant in their last meeting against China, taking a 96-87 win during the Group Stage of the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.
