By el Amigo
MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas faces a daunting challenge against Jordan on Friday as the race for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 enters a crucial stage.
Jordan carries a 5-1 record into the second round of the Asian Qualifiers and sits tied for second/third in Group E, while Gilas is in fifth at 2-4, tied with Syria.
With only the top three teams advancing directly to the World Cup and the first-round records carried over, the Philippines has little room for error.
The matchup at 8:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena will also test Gilas without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who is unavailable after deciding he is not yet healthy enough to play.
But coach Tim Cone gets a major boost with the return of Kai Sotto.
“He’s come full force. He’s brought all of his talent, all of his size; he’s really been impactful,” Cone said of the 7-foot-3 center.
Sotto is expected to anchor the Philippine frontline alongside June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu, Justine Baltazar, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and Geo Chiu.
The perimeter group includes Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, RJ Abarrientos, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy.
Cone will determine the final 12-man lineup before tip-off.
Cone has admitted that Gilas is still searching for its best form, saying the team is “still trying to find the best version of ourselves.”
Friday’s game could be a major step toward finding it.
A victory over Jordan would not only improve Gilas’ record but also give the Philippines valuable momentum heading into its next game against Iran on August 30.
For a team chasing a place in the World Cup, the time to climb the standings is now.
elamigo/xf
