The Philippine national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, is set to launch their campaign in the Asia qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a crucial match against Guam this Friday, November 28, 2025. The game tips off at 5:00 PM Philippine time at the University of Guam Calvo Field House.
Challenging Group A Battle Ahead
Both Gilas Pilipinas and Guam find themselves in Group A alongside basketball powerhouses New Zealand and Australia, making every match in the qualifying tournament critically important. The grouping sets up what promises to be a highly competitive battle for qualification spots.
This match carries historical significance as it marks Guam's first-ever appearance in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Adding an intriguing subplot to the encounter is the presence of San Miguel Beermen guard Jericho Cruz, who holds Guamanian-Filipino heritage and will be representing the home team.
Coach Cone's Cautious Approach
Despite what might appear as an advantage for Gilas, head coach Tim Cone is taking nothing for granted. The veteran mentor emphasized that there's no room for overconfidence, stressing the importance of starting the tournament with a momentum-building victory.
Coach Cone provided insights into Guam's playing style, describing them as "a tempo team that slows the game down and really plays inside and out." His comments, originally published on www.pba.ph, highlight the strategic preparation the Philippine team has undertaken.
Overcoming Home Court Advantage
The Gilas coach expressed expectations that Guam will come out with heightened intensity, fueled by their home crowd support. Playing at home creates a completely different dynamic, according to Cone, who noted that athletes typically perform at a different level when competing in front of their home fans.
"When you're playing at home, it's a whole different ballgame," Cone explained. "Players play different in front of their home crowd, of their homecourt. It's a completely different thing and that's something we have to overcome."
Gilas Pilipinas Roster Strength
The Philippine squad features a blend of veteran experience and young talent, including:
- Carl Tamayo
- AJ Edu
- Scottie Thompson
- Japeth Aguilar
- Chris Newsome
- June Mar Fajardo
- CJ Perez
- Dwight Ramos
- RJ Abarrientos
- Quentin Millora-Brown
- Kevin Quiambao
- Naturalized player Justin Brownlee
This diverse roster combination gives Coach Cone multiple options to counter Guam's anticipated strategy and the challenging environment they'll face on the road.
The opening qualifier represents more than just one game—it sets the tone for Gilas Pilipinas' entire campaign as they seek to secure a spot in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup against some of Asia's toughest competition.
