MANILA, Philippines — Optimistiko si Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone na kayang pataubin ng kanyang bataan ang New Zealand sa oras na magkrus ang kanilang landas sa Nobyembre 21 sa FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers sa Mall of Asia Arena.
Alam ni Cone ang matinding hamon na kanilang haharapin.
“They’re a 22nd-ranked team in the world, that’s higher than the Georgia team we played in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament,” ani Cone.
Kaya naman magiging pukpukan ang ensayo ng Pinoy squad upang masiguro na mabibigyan nito ng magandang laban ang New Zealand.
“I think we got a shot at beating them. We want to certainly protect our home court, and we want to show ourselves to the Gilas fans around the country,” dagdag ni Cone.
Matikas ang lineup ng New Zealand na may matangkad na lineup.
Solido rin ang tropa nito na pamumunuan ni veteran guard Corey Webster na malalim na ang karanasan sa international tournaments.
“They’re a tough, tough team, they’re physical. They’re a nation of rugby players, so they know how to play physically. It’s part of their culture,” ani Cone.
Ito ang unang pagtatagpo ng Gilas Pilipinas at Tall Blacks sapul noong Hulyo 2022 sa FIBA Asia Cup na ginanap sa Jakarta, Indonesia.
Sa naturang laro, nanalo ang New Zealand sa Gilas, 92-75.
Subalit ibang tropa na ang Gilas ngayon.
Tiwala si Cone na makakasabay ito sa Tall Blacks.
“I don’t think they’ve seen a team like the team we’re assembling,” ani Cone.