- Gilas Pilipinas looks to bounce back after an opening day loss in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup when it takes on New Zealand in the group phase.
August 7, Thursday
11 pm – Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand
Gilas Pilipinas’ June Mar Fajardo, Justin Brownlee and Dwight Ramos look on during a loss to Chinese Taipei in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup.–FIBA PHOTO
Chris Ross came to the defense of San Miguel Beer teammate June Mar Fajardo following the star center’s struggles in Gilas Pilipinas’ 95-87 loss to Chinese-Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
When a netizen on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter, called Fajardo a “complete joke” when it comes to playing on the international level, Ross didn’t hesitate to clap back, citing the way things are run under coach Tim Cone’s system.
“June [Mar] isn’t the focal point of the offense. Playing in the triangle before during Asian Games the offense is catered around JB [Justin Brownlee],” Ross said.
Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee during a game vs Chinese Taipei in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup. –FIBA IMAGES
Coach Tim Cone acknowledged that the stinging loss to Chinese-Taipei at the start of its Fiba Asia Cup campaign could put Gilas Pilipinas on a difficult road to achieve its ultimate goal.
But with the need to recover from the 95-87 defeat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that left some fans back home rue their decision to stay up late or wake up early to witness the game, Cone expects nothing but a better showing on Thursday against Group D favorite New Zealand.
“This team has shown a lot of bounce-back [performances] in the past, and I think we really have a good chance of playing a really better game the next time out,” Cone said following the contest held at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City.
Kevin Quiambao says Gilas Pilipinas needs to regroup: “It’s us vs us.” —FIBA.BASKETBALL
It’s tough to make out silver linings in a loss but Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone saw one in the form of Kevin Quiambao.
The Philippines dropped its first assignment in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup at the hands of Chinese Taipei, 95-87, but not without an exemplary effort from Quiambao.
The La Salle product’s performance was not something that Cone would not leave unnoticed.
“He came out and played with a lot of energy and hit some big shots for us,” said Cone at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday morning (Manila time).
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