As I sat watching the recent FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, I couldn't help but marvel at how far Philippine basketball has come. The current Gilas Pilipinas roster represents something special - a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent that could potentially make some noise in international competitions. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen the program's evolution firsthand, from the heartbreaks to the breakthroughs, and this current squad feels particularly promising.
The core of this team builds around several key players who've proven themselves both domestically and internationally. June Mar Fajardo, the 6'10" behemoth from Cebu, remains the anchor in the paint. What many don't realize is that his dominance isn't just about his size - it's his incredible footwork and basketball IQ that make him nearly unstoppable in the post. I've watched him develop from a raw prospect into a six-time PBA MVP, and at 34, he's playing some of the smartest basketball of his career. Then there's Thirdy Ravena, whose athleticism continues to turn heads. I remember watching his breakout performance against Korea in 2018, where he scored 30 points and essentially put the entire region on notice about his capabilities. His recent stint in Japan's B.League has clearly elevated his game, adding more polish to his already impressive skill set.
What fascinates me about this current iteration of Gilas is how they're learning to manage games differently. Watching their recent match against New Zealand's development squad reminded me of that Junior Tall Blacks game where the gap slowly grew over the course of the game with the 31-point lead being the largest. That's exactly the kind of game management Gilas needs to master - the ability to steadily build and maintain leads against quality opponents. Too often in the past, Philippine teams have relied on emotional bursts and scoring runs rather than systematic, sustained excellence. This team appears to be developing that crucial maturity.
The backcourt combination of Dwight Ramos and SJ Belangel gives me genuine excitement. Ramos, in particular, has shown tremendous growth since his college days. His stats don't always jump off the page - he averages around 12.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in international play - but his impact goes far beyond numbers. His defensive intensity and ability to make the right play consistently make him invaluable. Belangel, meanwhile, brings that classic Filipino guard flair - creative, fearless, and capable of hitting big shots. I'll never forget his game-winning three-pointer against Korea in the 2021 Asia Cup qualifiers - that shot wasn't just lucky, it was the product of countless hours in the gym.
What many casual observers miss about this team is the strategic shift in player development. The program has moved away from simply relying on natural talent and has implemented more structured development pathways. We're seeing players spend more time in international leagues, facing different styles of play and improving their basketball IQ. This exposure is crucial because, frankly, the Philippine basketball style has historically been quite distinct from international play - faster, more guard-oriented, but sometimes lacking in systematic execution against disciplined opponents.
The frontcourt depth deserves special mention. Beyond Fajardo, we have young guns like Geo Chiu and Kevin Quiambao showing promise. Quiambao, in particular, caught my eye during the last SEA Games where he averaged 16.3 points and 9.7 rebounds. At 6'8" with guard-like skills, he represents the new breed of Filipino big men - versatile, mobile, and comfortable handling the ball in transition. This evolution in player development is exactly what the national program needed to compete with taller international squads.
Looking at the coaching staff led by Tim Cone, there's a clear emphasis on system basketball rather than relying solely on individual brilliance. Cone's triangle offense implementation has been fascinating to watch develop, though I'll admit it's taken time for players to fully adapt. The beauty of this system, when executed properly, is that it creates those gradual scoring opportunities that slowly widen gaps against opponents - much like we saw in that Junior Tall Blacks reference game. It's not about explosive 20-0 runs, but consistent, methodical basketball that wears opponents down mentally and physically.
The real test for this squad will come in the upcoming FIBA windows and, ultimately, the World Cup qualifiers. The Asian basketball landscape has changed dramatically, with teams like Japan and Lebanon making significant strides. What gives me confidence is that this Gilas roster seems built for sustainable success rather than short-term gains. The blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy creates a nice balance, and the increased exposure to international competition is paying dividends in player development.
As someone who's witnessed both the struggles and triumphs of Philippine basketball, I'm more optimistic than I've been in years. This current roster isn't just talented - it's strategically constructed, well-coached, and developing the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. The journey ahead won't be easy, but for the first time in a while, I genuinely believe Gilas has the pieces to not just compete, but to consistently challenge the region's best teams and slowly build those decisive leads that separate good teams from great ones.
