Cone optimistic on Gilas chances to end slump vs New Zealand

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone emphasized his belief that the Philippines will “have a shot” at beating the mighty New Zealand on Thursday, as they aim to finally win against the Tall Blacks. 

The Philippines will host New Zealand on Thursday evening, November 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in the first game of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers’ November leg. 

Gilas already faced the No. 22 basketball team in the world four times, but they lost all contests. 

This time around, the home team will try to break that streak. 

Cone, in a recent interview, said that while physicality and athleticism will be among the advantages of their opponents, the Philippines will have continuity as their ace up on their sleeves come game time. 

“I don't think they've seen a team like the team we're assembling. I think we got a shot at beating them,” he told reporters.

“We want to certainly protect our home court, and we want to show ourselves to the Gilas fans around the country,” he added. 

“These are all very, very important to us so I really expect us to be ready and motivated to play.”

However, he said that it will still be an uphill battle as New Zealand brings in a new coach — Judd Flavell — as well as a new system. 

Flavell was named as the new coach in October, and is regarded as among New Zealand’s most successful basketball coaches. 

“They’re a 22nd-ranked team in the world — that's higher than the Georgia team we played in the OQT. They're a tough, tough team, they're physical team. They're a nation of rugby players so they know how to play physically,” he said. 

“It's part of their culture. It's not personal. It’s just the way they play. So that's something we have to be conscious of.” 

According to FIBA, Gilas will be able to qualify for next year’s FIBA Asia Cup if they win both November window games against New Zealand and Hong Kong, or if they beat Hong Kong and New Zealand sweeps the window. 

The Philippines is currently on top of Group B play with a 2-0 win-loss record.