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Gilas Pilipinas, to stick with Brownlee on both games

by Bryan Gadingan

DESPITE adding another naturalized player, Ange Kouame, to their 15-man pool, the Gilas Pilipinas is sticking with what has worked in the past, Justin Brownlee’s brilliance, to lead them in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. 

Gilas appears to be maximizing whatever is left in Brownlee’s tank, as he is scheduled to play both games this window, despite having a few days off following their PBA Governors’ Cup Finals vs TNT Tropang Giga. 

Run it back! 

Gilas head coach Tim Cone explained that Kouame was put in the pool to familiarize him with their system while also serving as a backup if Brownlee is unable to play for the national team.

However, for this window, the Ginebra star import remains their naturalized player, ahead of Bennie Boatwright, who is still undergoing his naturalization procedure, and Ateneo Blue Eagles product Kouame.

“He (Kouame) will most likely not be in the line-up because we expect Justin to play in both games,” said Cone during a Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) press conference held on Wednesday.

“If something – God forbid, knock on wood – happens to Justin, then we would be able to bring in Ange and he would again know the system. He knows what’s asked of him, he’ll be part of the preparation.”

“So, it’s important to have him be a part of the program as much as possible, as that backup as we wait for Bennie Boatwright to go through the process of his immigration and whatever he needs to be done,” Cone added. 

Cone underlines that while Kouame may not be able to play this window, he will be just as vital as anybody else in their roster since he must be ready to jump in if necessary. 

Ready to help

Despite the call-up and the lack of roster spot this window, Kouame reiterated that his devotion goes beyond a roster position for Gilas Pilipinas, and that he is eager to assist the national team in any way he can.

“I was actually surprised because it’s been a long time that I’ve been away from the program,” Kouame told the media. “But I know I’m still part of the Gilas family. Like I said before, whenever they call me out, sure I’ll show up and I’ll represent.”

“I understand that because he is the head coach. He knows what he wants for this team, but I’ll keep working, keep showing up for the national team. I will always going to be present, whenever he calls me.”

“Like I said, it’s under coach Tim. He knows what he is doing. I’m going to be out there and support,” the 26-year-old Kouame further explained.

A different Gilas Pilipinas

Meanwhile, roster talks aside, Cone believes the national team has a chance against New Zealand, the world’s 22nd ranked squad. Although the Tall Blacks are bigger, Gilas has the advantage of familiarity.

“You know they’re the 22nd ranked team in the world, and that’s higher than the Georgia team that we played,” Cone said, referring to the Georgia team that beat Gilas 96-94 in the FIBA OQT last July. 

“Georgia was 24th in the OQT. They are a tough, tough team. They’re a physical team. They’re a nation of rugby players so they know how to play physically. It’s a part of their culture.”

“I don’t think they’ve seen a team like the team we’re assembling, so I think we got a shot at beating them. And we want to certainly protect our home court,” added Cone.

Nonetheless, the entire squad is depending on the home fans when the qualifiers begin, as the nationals began their training camp this afternoon at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna. 

Gilas Pilipinas will face New Zealand on November 21st before attempting to duplicate their dominance against Hong Kong on November 25th, both at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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