What’s next for Gilas after Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers first window
Gilas Pilipinas’ Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramors in the Filipinos’ game against Chinese Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—If Sunday was any indication, Gilas Pilipinas’ youth is something to be excited about heading forward.
The national team demolished Chinese Taipei, 106-53, at Philsports Arena in Pasig and one of the most notable themes in the win is the emergence of the young guns on the international stage.
Even Justin Brownlee, who finished with a game-high 26 points, had to take notice that the future may indeed be now for the Philippines as young talents blossomed in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers 2025 first window.
HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas vs Chinese Taipei at Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers
“I feel like I’m getting younger, to be honest,” said Brownlee in jest. “They come every day in practice to shoot around, watch film and they bring good energy and I love to see it.”
Six players scored in double digits for Gilas in Sunday’s win. Four of them were either 25 years old or younger.
Kai Sotto, the youngest swingman on the floor for the Philippines at 21, tallied a double-double 18 points and 10 rebounds.
READ: Gilas takes first step toward ‘big goal’ with strong start in Fiba qualifiers
Kevin Quiambao, the UAAP Season 86 MVP at 22, ended up with 10 points and six boards while 23-year-old big man Carl Tamayo boasted his soft touch with 11 points and six boards with a 50 percent shooting clip to match.
Dwight Ramos, a Japanese B.League import at 25, wowed the crowd with 12 points built on several highlight plays, including a fastbreak dunk in the first quarter.
Kai swat. Dwight jam. Gilas Pilipinas get it done on both ends 😤#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/JeTqIP5AO3
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
“Carl, KQ, Dwight, Kai and AJ [Edu]–who hasn’t been playing–I just see the excitement and the urgency of them wanting to get better and wanting to do something great for the country,” said Brownlee.
“Those guys have a ton of potential, unbelievable skill sets and it’s just so fun to play with them because they have so much positive energy.”
Edu, 24, was unable to suit up for the national team in the first window due to a meniscus injury but is set to return for his B.League team Toyama Grouse approximately in two months.