GILAS Pilipinas resumes its FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Friday against Jordan. The Philippines plays in front of its home fans once again in, technically, a road game for Gilas with some of the games in the Middle East were moved to Manila due to tensions in that part of the world.
Here is a preview.
JORDAN VS. PHILIPPINES
When: Friday, August 28. 8:30 p.m.
Where: Mall of Asia Arena
Break four-game losing skid
Gilas aims to start its second-round campaign in the World Cup qualifiers on Friday night on a winning note. After sweeping Guam in the first window, the Philippines lost to New Zealand and Australia in the next two windows including a close 69-66 defeat to the Tall Blacks in overtime and a 93-66 blowout loss to the Boomers during the July window.
Kai is back but Brownlee is out
Gilas finally got Kai Sotto back for the first time since the November 2024 window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers. The 7-foot-3 Sotto is a welcome addition, giving Gilas Pilipinas the needed boost at the low block. But Gilas will be missing top scorer Justin Brownlee, who remains down with injuries. Brownlee is averaging 14.2 points in the qualifiers, but was ineffective against New Zealand during the July window with only five points.
Important game for Gilas
Gilas isn’t exactly in a must-win situation, but a victory against Jordan will improve its chances of reaching a fourth successive World Cup. The Philippines still has a game against Iran, a traditional powerhouse in Asia basketball. A win will put Gilas two games back of Jordan, Iran, and even New Zealand in the race for four World Cup slots in the group.
June Mar’s final games with Gilas
The August window of the World Cup qualifiers could be the final set of games for June Mar Fajardo in a Gilas uniform, as he already expressed his intention to retire from international play during the July window. Expect Gilas to play inspired ball with Fajardo heading for Gilas retirement. At the same time, Fajardo could be a contributor for Gilas in this game, now that Sotto is back.
Harris needs to be contained
Gilas will try to contain Jordan’s naturalized player Jalen Harris for Friday’s game. Harris has been splendid all qualifiers long with an average of 27 points for the Falcons. He even scored 42 points during one of Jordan’s games in the qualifiers.
Saint Dwight’s intercession
Dwight Ramos is expected to play a major role in this window with Brownlee sitting out. Ramos is the second leading scorer of Gilas with 13.5 but the Philippines might need more from him against Jordan. Ramos is out to bounce back as well after scoring only nine points and shooting just 4-of-16 against Australia.
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