GILAS Pilipinas faces its toughest test yet in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers as it battles New Zealand to kick off the second window on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Filipinos and Tall Blacks duke it out at 7:30 p.m., with the winner taking the provisional solo lead in Group B.
Both the host and visitor share the top spot in their bracket with similar 2-0 records.
But Gilas so far hasn't beaten New Zealand in four previous FIBA meetings dating back to 2016 during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Manila, 89-80.
Another loss was likewise inflicted at home during the first round of the World Cup Qualifiers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, 88-63.
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National team coach Tim Cone said winning against the Tall Blacks before an expected boisterous home crowd is definitely a must for a Gilas side that returns to action after falling short in the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last August in Latvia.
"We want to certainly protect our home court. These are all very important to us. So I really expect us to be ready and motivate to play," said Cone.
Gilas wrapped up its four-day training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna last Monday, which it capped with a 96-82 win over reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion Meralco in a tune-up game.
Cone said he expects a tough, physical game from the Tall Blacks, who will have a new coach in Judd Flavel - a former player of ex-Gilas coach Tab Baldwin - and parade familiar names such as former Converge import Tom Vodanovich and veteran Corey Webster.
"They are a tough, tough team. They are a physical team," said the Gilas coach. "They're a nation of rugby players, so they know how to play physically. It's part of their culture.
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"It's not personal. It's just the way they play. So that's something we have to be conscious of."
Aside from Vodanovich and Webster, the 13-man New Zealand team is composed of Taylor Britt, Kaia Isaac, Flyn Cameron, Izayah Mauriohooho Le'afa, Walter Brown, Hyrum Harris, Oscar Goodman, Max Darling, Sam Mennenga, Sam Waardenburg, and Tyrell Harrison.
Brown, Harris, Cameron, Le'afa, and Britt were part of the Tall Blacks that placed 22nd in last year's FIBA World Cup in Manila.
Meanwhile, the 34th ranked Gilas will be spearheaded by naturalized player Justine Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Kai Sotto, Japeth Aguilar, Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, Chris Newsome, Carl Tamayo, and Mason Amos.
A victory by Gilas will have the team advancing to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia. (RG)
