Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has warmly welcomed the recent decision by FIBA to officially classify Fil-American player Mike Phillips as a local player for the Philippine national team. This significant ruling means that Phillips is now eligible to represent Gilas in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, potentially boosting the squad's roster depth and talent pool.
Logistical Hurdles Delay Immediate Debut
Despite the positive news, Coach Cone has clarified that Phillips will not be able to participate in the upcoming Window 2 of the qualifiers. The primary reason for this delay is logistical, as Phillips is currently based in Florida, USA, and the team's matches are set to begin in just two days. Cone emphasized that the timing simply did not align for this window, stating, "Definitely, we'd like him for the next window. Everything came together just a little too late for this window." This statement was reported by www.spin.ph, highlighting the coach's optimism for future opportunities.
Upcoming Matches and Future Prospects
In Window 2, Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled to host two crucial matches at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Manila. They will face the New Zealand Tall Blacks on February 26, followed by a game against the Australia Boomers on March 1. These contests are part of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, and the team will have to rely on its current lineup without Phillips for now.
Looking ahead, the most likely scenario is that Mike Phillips will make his debut for Gilas Pilipinas in July, during the final window of the first round qualifiers. Phillips, whose grandmother hails from Cebu City, brings a promising background as a product of De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers and was the Finals MVP in the previous UAAP season. His addition is eagerly anticipated by fans and coaching staff alike, as it could provide a strategic advantage in the team's pursuit of World Cup qualification.
Coach Cone's remarks underscore a blend of immediate practicality and long-term planning. While the team must navigate the current window without Phillips, the FIBA ruling opens up exciting possibilities for enhancing Gilas' competitiveness in future matches. The focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming games while keeping an eye on integrating Phillips into the squad later this year.
