FIBA: Gilas will give 'superhuman effort' vs. China, says Cone | ABS-CBN

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FIBA: Gilas will give 'superhuman effort' vs. China, says Cone

FIBA: Gilas will give 'superhuman effort' vs. China, says Cone

ABS-CBN News

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Updated Sep 02, 2023 03:07 PM PHT

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Gilas Pilipinas huddles during its game against South Sudan in the classification round of the FIBA 2023 World Cup held at the Araneta Coliseum on August 31, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
Gilas Pilipinas huddles during its game against South Sudan in the classification round of the FIBA 2023 World Cup held at the Araneta Coliseum on August 31, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News


MANILA -- Gilas Pilipinas has one last chance to salvage its campaign in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, and assistant coach Tim Cone says the team will put together a "superhuman effort" in their final game.

Gilas has lost its first four games of the tournament, with an 87-68 setback to South Sudan last Thursday ousting them from the race for an outright Olympic spot.

"It's been tough on all of us, the players, the coaching staff, everyone involved," Cone said on X [formerly Twitter], regarding the national team's campaign in the home tournament. "Needless to say, the results have not been what we wanted."

"But we're proud of our effort," the Barangay Ginebra tactician also said.

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Gilas assistant coach Tim Cone assures that the national team will give its all against China. Screenshot from Tim Cone
Gilas assistant coach Tim Cone assures that the national team will give its all against China. Screenshot from Tim Cone's X account.

The Philippines had a relatively promising start, losing 87-81 to Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic last August 25 at the Philippine Arena in front of a record crowd.

But their campaign took a downturn with an 80-70 loss to Angola, and they were outlasted by Italy, 90-83, in their final group round game. Needing to win against South Sudan just to stay in the race for an Olympic berth, Gilas instead succumbed to its worst loss of the tournament so far.

They now have to face an Asian powerhouse in China in their last game on Saturday evening at the Araneta Coliseum, with a victory boosting their chances of sealing a place in an Olympic qualifying tournament next year.

"We're now going to go out and give one more superhuman effort to beat China tonight," Cone assured.

Meanwhile, Cone has also rebuffed calls for him to take over the Gilas Pilipinas head coaching post, as the clamor for Chot Reyes' resignation grows louder over the team's successive losses.

Speaking to Carlo Pamintuan of One Sports, Cone said: "If coach Chot goes, I go."

"Some assistant coaches come into a team believing that they will get their chance to be the head coach someday but that’s not me. I’m here to serve at Coach Chot’s pleasure. I’m only here to support him because I believe in him," said Cone.

Reyes himself has left it up to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to decide on his future with the national team.

For more stories on the FIBA World Cup, click here.
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WMPBL: PH Navy, Discovery look to continue winning ways

WMPBL: PH Navy, Discovery look to continue winning ways

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA -- Philippine Navy and Discovery aim to extend their winning streak to three on Sunday as they take on struggling opponents in the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament at the Central Recreation and Fitness Center in Quezon City.

The Lady Sailors will seek their fifth win in six games to maintain their position atop the standings in this tournament, which is backed by Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist.

They face the winless PSP Lady Gymers (0-4) at 8 p.m.

Meanwhile, Perlas will open the day's action against the EZ Jersey Relentless, who are still searching for their first victory after dropping their first three games.

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Navy, supported by Kalos PH and Go for Gold, is coming off dominant wins over Solar Home (94-46) and FEU (76-61).

Leading the Lady Sailors in this tournament—also backed by Uratex, Discovery Suites, Red Dynasty, Gotobox, Gerry's Grill, Prettiest, Team Graphitee, Evo Performance Helmets, Ryzen Helmets, Katinko, Dorayd, Sogo Hotel, Global Bosny Manufacturing, and Bavin—are the dynamic duo of Afril Bernardino and Gemma Miranda.

Discovery (2-1), on the other hand, is coming off an 18-day break—a much-needed rest for the veteran-laden squad led by Allana Lim, Camille Sambile, and Raiza Palmera-Dy.

In the 6 p.m. game, the Imus Lady Magdalo will attempt to snap their two-game losing streak and even their record as they face the Solar Home Suns, who are still searching for their first win in four outings.

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