IT’S Gilas Pilipinas season again, as it begins a new quest: reach the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.
The road starts in Guam on Friday for the first game of the Asian Qualifiers. With the Philippines also bracketed with powerhouse squads Australia and New Zealand in Group A, it is of utmost importance to start the campaign on a winning note.
Getting you ready for the match-up in this preview.
GUAM VS. PHILIPPINES
When: Friday, November 28. 7 p.m. local time/ 5 p.m. Philippine time
Where: Calvo Fieldhouse, Guam
QMB wears flag for first time
Quentin Millora-Brown is expected to make his Gilas debut against Guam.
Millora-Brown has been waiting for his moment to come after making appeals to become a local, as he was initially classified as a naturalized player by FIBA. QMB joins PBA stars June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar at the center spot.
Jericho Cruz against Gilas
For the first time in his career, Jericho Cruz will be going up against Gilas after deciding to play for Guam in FIBA competitions. He will also be on a collision course against San Miguel teammates Fajardo and Cjay Perez in the contest.
His role being a defender with the national team, don’t be surprised if Perez gets the role of guarding Cruz, who is among Guam's leading scorers.
Players to watch
Tai Wesley will also be the focal point on offense for Guam. Wesley was their leading scorer in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 after averaging 17.7 points. The NBL Australia campaigner had 21 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in Guam’s 82-73 win over Syria in the Asia Cup.
Look for Takumi Fukuda to also chip in for Guam. He averaged 12.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in the previous Asia Cup.
Isaiah Africano will then make his Guam debut after the Pacific University standout applied for the PBA Season 50 Draft.
RJ returns to Gilas
RJ Abarrientos has made it back to Gilas after previous stints under former head coach Tab Baldwin a couple of years ago.
More eyes could be on Abarrientos for this game, especially with the decision of the coaching staff to pick him over Juan Gomez de Liaño, a popular choice by fans, due to his familiarity with the triangle offense.
Brownlee after bout of illness
Justin Brownlee is back with Gilas for the World Cup Qualifiers after he got pneumonia that kept him out of club duties with Meralco in the EASL. Brownlee’s fitness will be under the spotlight in his first game since the Asia Cup in Jeddah.
KQ in line for increased role with Gilas
Kevin Quiambao had an outstanding showing in the last Asia Cup where he averaged 12.0 points.
An increased role with Gilas looks to be in the offing for KQ following that performance in Jeddah.
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