TIM Cone is not losing sleep about Gilas Pilipinas ending up being grouped with powerhouses Australia and New Zealand in the coming 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
It is what it is, according to the national coach.
“I just don’t make a big deal about it. We had no control over [it],” said Cone, speaking for the first time about the outcome of the World Cup qualifiers draw held in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday night.
READ Gilas drawn with Australia, NZ, Guam in Fiba World Cup qualifiers
“If we had lost a game here or there and that would have affected the draw, then maybe we could be talking or have some regret,” he added. “But bottomline is we don’t have any control over that. We deal with who we have.”
During the official draw, the Philippines found itself being bracketed with the Boomers and Tall Blacks in a tough Group A. Joining the three is the Guam national team featuring San Miguel Beer guard Jericho Cruz.
Cone admitted he didn’t even wait for the draw before going to sleep, adding he only got to know the result the morning after from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al S. Panlilio.
“I didn’t stay out to find out. What happens, happens. It’s not like I’m trying to win the lottery and see if I can win the lottery,” said the Gilas coach. “I just truly believe that you control things that you can control, and right now, the thing that is in our control is trying to get back together and prepare.”
The rest of the bracket include Japan, South Korea, China, and Chinese Taipei in Group B, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan – possibly with Rondae Hollis Jefferson in tow – comprising Group C, and Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, India, and host Qatar in Group D.
The qualifiers start late in November this year and will be made up of six windows that last until March of 2027.
Top three teams in each group will advance to the second round, with teams in Groups A and C being bunched together, ditto with Groups B and D.
Records in the first round will be carried over to the next stage.
The top three teams in each group at the end of the second round, together with the fourth best placed squad and the host country will represent Asia-Oceania in the FIBA World Cup tournament.
“Right now for us, the qualifying is the championship, so that’s what we’re going to focus on,” added Cone.
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