Seven days before their FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers clash, Gilas Pilipinas Men already had an idea of what the Jordan Falcons would bring to the table when they meet at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“We are familiar with the Jordan team, probably more familiar with Jordan than we are with Iran,” said Tim Cone last Monday.
And helping Gilas with its scouting report is Strong Group.
Last Friday, Strong Group faced Jordan in the 45th William Jones Cup after being relegated to the fifth-place game despite finishing as one of the top two teams in Group A due to a controversial tournament format.
Charles Tiu and his Strong Group staff prepared videos on all 11 players fielded by Jordan head coach Wesam Al-Sous.
“We’ve been exchanging messages with Coach Tim (Cone) and Coach Richard (del Rosario),” said Tiu.
“They were able to watch a lot of our games, and I’m glad to have helped in any small way.”
Strong Group kept Jordan within striking distance throughout the game, allowing the Falcons’ main guns to see significant minutes before the Filipinos pulled away late in the contest.
Hadi Alshami led Jordan with 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting and nine rebounds, while Abdullah Olajuwon added 18 points. Saif Saleh chipped in 12 points, Mohammad Hussein posted 11 points and 13 rebounds, and Fadi Mustafa also scored 11.
Jordan did not have Jalen Harris and Ahmad Alhamarsheh available for the Jones Cup.
Still, despite Gilas being without Justin Brownlee for the window, Tiu remains confident that Gilas Men have what it takes to beat Jordan.
“I really trust Coach Tim and his program, and I still feel confident that we can win without Brownlee,” said Tiu.
Speaking on behalf of the Strong Group organization, Tiu will be cheering for Gilas in both of their home games this weekend.
And he hopes the support and love Strong Group received during the Jones Cup will also be extended to Gilas Men, if not more.
“Together with Boss Frank (Lao), Boss Jacob (Lao), and the whole SGA family, we are in full support of our Gilas team in their two big games. We have faith and trust in the program and in Coach Tim,” said Tiu.
“Wishing everyone can cheer for them and give them their full support, no matter the result.”
