Gilas Pilipinas’ Dwight Ramos in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup.–FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Coach Tim Cone is sticking with the same group that went to battle against Chinese Taipei when Gilas Pilipinas faces New Zealand in their last game of the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers Sunday.
On the eve of Gilas’ clash with the Kiwis, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced that there will be no changes in the lineup.
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“Gilas Pilipinas will keep the same 12 as they battle the New Zealand Tall Blacks for the top spot in Group B,” wrote the SBP in an Instagram post.
READ: Loss to Taiwanese adds meaning to Gilas-New Zealand duel
Even with fatigue notwithstanding, a lot will be expected of naturalized forward Justin Brownlee, who finished with 39 points in a 91-84 loss to Chinese Taipei at Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium on Thursday.
The Philippines will also continue to lean on Dwight Ramos, who led all locals with 15 points and five rebounds against Taipei.
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AJ Edu also stepped up for Gilas, posting 10 points and six rebounds with fellow big man Kai Sotto out after undergoing knee surgery.
READ: Gilas coach Tim Cone takes all the blame for loss to Chinese Taipei
Gilas will still have the services of San Miguel stars June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez and the Ginebra crew of Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar.
Korean Basketball League imports Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo are also still on the roster with TNT’s Calvin Oftana and Meralco’s Chris Newsome.
The Philippines takes on New Zealand Sunday, 10 a.m. (Manila time).
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