Latest news with #GilasPilipinas
GMA Network
14 hours ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
AJ Edu admits Gilas Pilipinas still adjusting to life without Kai Sotto
AJ Edu and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas understand that everyone has to step up as they are set to navigate the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup without one of their key big men in Kai Sotto. That was on full display during their friendly match against the Macau Black Bears on Monday, where the Filipinos rallied for a gritty 103–98 comeback win in front of their home crowd. Usual suspect Justin Brownlee was in his element in his first game back for the flag, dropping a game-high 32 points on 5-of-7 shooting from downtown and collecting 15 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and a block. Brownlee, though, didn't lack support with his teammates stepping up in the 21-point fightback. Dwight Ramos churned out 19 points, four rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block while Edu made his presence felt on the paint with 15 markers and three boards. Kevin Quiambao chipped in 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists while Scottie Thompson and CJ Perez finished with 10 and seven markers to rally the Philippines from a double-digit deficit. "[Coach Tim said] nothing specific [at the halftime break], he just knows we're better than that, that first half wasn't us," Edu said. "He just wanted us to be who we are, who we've been preparing to be." Despite the win, AJ Edu acknowledged that Kai Sotto's absence leaves a significant void, but stressed that the team is ready to rise to the challenge in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 7-foot-3 Sotto was ruled out for the tournament after sustaining an ACL injury while suiting up for Koshigaya in the Japan B. League earlier this year. ?"It's still an adjustment. Kai is such an important piece, especially to the way we play in the triangle," Edu added. "But we're gonna have to make do without him for now and everyone decides to step and tonight, you saw how many people stepped up and we just gotta keep that going until Kai comes back." —JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Calvin Oftana doubtful for Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup
Calvin Oftana's health status puts his availability for Gilas Pilipinas in doubt ahead of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. National team head coach Tim Cone revealed on Monday that Oftana is uncertain to suit up after the sharpshooter sustained injuries during TNT's finals series against San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Oftana hurt both of his ankles in the grueling finals clash as the Tropang 5G eventually fell to the Beermen in six games. "We're not sure about Calvin. The medical reports are that he might be out a little bit longer," Cone said following Gilas' 103-98 win over the Macau Black Bears in a friendly encounter at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. "We were given a medical report from his camp so we're not sure if he's going to be available for the whole tournament." Cone, though, isn't worried about the manpower shortage with his trusted wards in Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos ready to step in whenever necessary. "We're gonna try to address that today or tomorrow and we got Troy and RJ in the wings to step in if necessary," Cone added. Cone also added that June Mar Fajardo, who sat out the send-off showdown against Macau, will take another three-day off before rejoining physical activities once they land in Jeddah, where they will figure in another friendly game against Jordan before the Asia Cup proper. "But June Mar, we expect him to start practicing when we land in Jeddah," Cone shared. "He changes the game for us, we have to play a different way with June Mar on the floor and that's the only concern because we haven't had practice time with him. We'll see what's going on with him." —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Gilas Pilipinas stages mighty comeback vs. Macau in send-off showdown
Gilas Pilipinas unleashed an explosive second half to erase a huge deficit and eke out a 103-98 win against the Macau Black Bears in a friendly game on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Filipinos leaned on spark plug CJ Perez and usual suspects Justin Brownlee and Dwight Ramos to turn a 21-point deficit into a five-point victory. The exhibition game served as part of Gilas Pilipinas' final preparations for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup slated early next month. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Fajardo, Perez, Oftana gear up for Gilas Pilipinas as FIBA Asia Cup nears
There is no time off for June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Calvin Oftana as the veterans join Gilas Pilipinas shortly after a grueling PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup finals series between San Miguel and TNT. Fajardo and Perez of the Beermen and Tropang 5G sniper Oftana are shifting their full attention to national team duties with Gilas Pilipinas' 2025 FIBA Asia Cup preparations already underway. The trio is coming off an exhausting All-Filipino finals duel. Fajardo and Perez both played crucial roles in the Beermen's title run, which allowed the franchise to capture its 30th overall title and 11th in the All-Filipino edition. The Beermen also completed their redemption arc following a rare playoff absence in the Commissioner's Cup. Oftana was also huge for an injury-hit TNT, which missed key players Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Simon Enciso due to different injuries. Still, Perez and Oftana are not thinking about the fatigue as they look to bolster Gilas Pilipinas in the continental tournament. "'Di mo maiisip 'yung pagod pag nanalo ka eh. Pag nanalo ka talagang kahit na may susunod na game, excited ka. Excited ka kasi para bayan, syempre matagal-tagal na rin tayong naglalaro para sa Gilas so I'm always excited para sa bayan," Perez, who posted 24 points, six assists, and three rebounds in the title-clinching Game 6, said. "Minsan-minsan lang ito mangyari sa buhay kaya sinusulit ko na talaga hangga't tinatawag pa talaga ako. I'm grateful and honored na i-represeng 'yung country." Sharing the same sentiment, Oftana said he's embracing the once-in-a-lifetime chance to wear the flag on such a grand stage "Mga gano'ng opportunity kasi once in a lifetime lang 'yun e. It's from the bosses and coach Tim din, and we need to serve our country din. Para sa bayan," the sharp shooter said. "I have to rest din kasi sabi nga nila, katawan namin 'yung puhunan namin." Fajardo, Oftana, and Perez will rejoin a Gilas crew that already started its training led by head coach Tim Cone alongside other staple players like Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, Chris Newsome, Japeth Aguilar, and Kevin Quiambao. Gilas will take on Chinese Taipei on August 6 before slugging it out against New Zealand and Iraq on August 7 and 9, respectively. Before the Asia Cup showcase, Gilas will get a taste of high-level competition as it takes on the Macau Black Bears in a friendly game on July 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
SBS Australia
18-07-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
SBS News in Filipino, Friday 18 July 2025
The United Nations condemns Israeli strike on sole Catholic Church in Gaza. Facing criticism, the Prime Minister defends his six-day visit to China. Gilas Pilipinas Women secures a spot at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying tournament for the first time. The Philippines' Gilas Legends are in Australia for some friendly matches against the Perth All Stars and the MLV Stars Selection of Melbourne this weekend. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST SBS Filipino 18/07/2025 08:04 Filipino 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino 📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit or stream on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , Youtube Podcasts , and SBS Audio app.
