Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone knows that tournament draws — like lotteries — are unpredictable and completely out of anyone’s control.
And on Tuesday evening (Manila time), the decorated mentor finally saw the challenges that await him and the national team in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Doha, Qatar.
In what is arguably the toughest bracket in the Asian Qualifiers, the Philippines was drawn into Group B alongside regional powerhouses Australia and New Zealand, as well as up-and-coming squad Guam.
Should Gilas advance to the second round, they will cross over to Group C, which features Middle Eastern contenders Iran and Jordan, along with Syria and Iraq.
Only seven spots — excluding automatic berth-holder Qatar — are allocated for Asia in the World Cup.
“First off, we had no control over what group we were drawn into, so it’s not something we’re going to regret or worry about,” said Cone, who was represented by long-time assistant Sean Chambers during the draw ceremony held at ALHAZM.
“Secondly, as the qualifiers progress, we’re going to end up playing nearly all the teams in the other group, so it all equals out.”
Since Oceania was integrated into Asia for athletic competitions, Gilas has only faced the Boomers twice in FIBA-sanctioned events.
In the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers, the Philippines suffered an 68–84 loss in Melbourne before the infamous 53–89 defeat at the Philippine Arena that led to a brawl.
Meanwhile, the national team has yet to square off with Guam in FIBA-sanctioned play. However, they’re familiar with one key figure — San Miguel Beermen guard Jericho Cruz, who plays a pivotal role in Guam’s national program.
Gilas is more acquainted with New Zealand.
They have faced the Tall Blacks in the Asia Cup Qualifiers and are set to meet them again this August in the Asia Cup proper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Despite the uphill battle, Cone remains optimistic, especially with the structure of the qualifiers giving every team a fighting chance.
He pointed out that Gilas has already proven it can hang with elite teams — most notably with a 94–83 win over New Zealand last November at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
A key concern for Gilas, however, is the recovery of Kai Sotto, who is still rehabbing from an ACL tear sustained last January while playing in Japan’s B.League.
“Bottom line, we have to be in the top seven in Asia to qualify. Tough, but doable,” Cone said.
“Let’s just get Kai (Sotto) back and healthy.”
For the opening window of the qualifiers, Gilas will travel to Auckland to face New Zealand on November 28, before hosting the same team on December 1.
They will then visit Guam on February 26 and battle Australia on the road on March 1.
To wrap up Round 1, the Philippines will host Guam on July 3, followed by a home game against Australia on July 6.
