If there’s anyone who firmly believes in Gilas Pilipinas’ ability to bounce back from a heartbreaking 2025 FIBA Asia Cup defeat to Chinese Taipei, it’s head coach Tim Cone.
The long-time Barangay Ginebra tactician admitted that the gut-wrenching loss to Yin-Chun Chen and Chinese Taipei could potentially steer the Philippines off course in its quest to end a 40-year Asia Cup title drought.
Still, there’s no time for Gilas to dwell on the loss. With another crucial matchup on the horizon, Cone is urging his team to shift its focus immediately to Group D favorite New Zealand.
“As much as we want to cry about this loss, we have New Zealand coming up and we need to be ready,” Cone said following their defeat to Chinese Taipei at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
While the Philippines lost to the Tall Blacks in their most recent clash during the qualifiers on February 23, what gives Cone and his squad a bit of a psychological edge is their breakthrough win against New Zealand back in November 2024 — their first-ever victory over the Oceanian powerhouse in FIBA play.
However, Cone knows that psychological momentum alone won’t be enough.
For Gilas to stay in contention, Justin Brownlee must stay out of foul trouble; eight-time PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo has to deliver a more impactful performance; and Dwight Ramos needs to avoid another sluggish start, particularly in the first half.
(C) FIBA
Looking to bounce back after allowing Chinese Taipei to erupt for a 17-point first-quarter lead, Cone is expected to lean heavily on Kevin Quiambao and Scottie Thompson early to keep pace with the composed and physical Tall Blacks.
In addition, Cone must consider giving more significant minutes to Carl Tamayo and Jamie Malonzo. Gilas must also tighten its discipline on defense, limit turnovers, and improve perimeter shooting if it hopes to replicate its upset over New Zealand from last year’s home game.
“This team has shown a strong ability to bounce back in the past, and I believe we still have a chance to play a much better game next time out,” Cone said, as he prepares to face a new-look New Zealand squad with only Tohi Smith-Milner and Jordan Ngatai returning from their previous encounters with the Philippines.
Cone understands the stakes.
The moment Gilas fell to Chinese Taipei, the Philippines was thrust onto a more difficult path — one far less desirable in the race to reclaim continental basketball glory. The feat was last achieved in December 1985 by a squad featuring legends Allan Caidic, Jerry Codinera, Pido Jarencio, Hector Calma, and Franz Pumaren.
Though now placed in a tougher spot, Cone has every opportunity to steer the team back on course, especially after being tactically outmaneuvered by Chinese Taipei head coach Gianluca Tucci.
A win against New Zealand — scheduled for an earlier tip-off at 11:00 PM (Philippine time) — would boost the Philippines’ hopes of topping Group D and earning an automatic spot in the quarterfinals.
But a loss wouldn’t spell elimination just yet. The second and third placers of Group D will enter the qualification phase for the final quarterfinal slots, where they’ll face counterparts from Group C — composed of host Saudi Arabia, China, Jordan, and India.
“We haven’t performed as well as we wanted to in this tournament. Like I said earlier, there’s only one thing we can do now — move forward,” Cone concluded.
