Basketball

The Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up for the upcoming 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) did not start in the best fashion, as they were beaten 84-73 by Turkey in their first friendly basketball game in the early hours of Friday, June 28, at the Besiktas Akatlar Culture and Sports Complex in Istanbul.

Gilas couldn’t contain the excellent three-point shooting of the hosts, particularly Tarik Biberovic, who led Turkey with 23 points, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Tim Cone’s men struggled with their own shots, making just five of the 17 three-pointers they attempted.

Despite their shooting struggles, the Gilas trailed by just five points, 73-78, in the final minutes of the game. Star naturalized import Justin Brownlee led from the front for the Philippines’ men’s national team with 21 points but made only one of his seven three-point attempts.

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend June Mar Fajardo provided good support to Brownlee, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds. However, youngster Kai Sotto struggled to get into the game, spending only 19 minutes on the floor before fouling out with 2:35 left in the game.

GO-TO GILAS DUO 💪 💦

JB and the Kraken did most of the heavy lifting for Gilas Pilipinas before falling short against Turkey, 73-84, in the first of their two friendly games before the men’s national basketball squad compete in the #FIBAOQT. #GilasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/omN1B1Q0LE

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 28, 2024

No other Gilas player registered double figures, with Carl Tamayo finishing with seven points and five rebounds while Sotto managed a paltry seven points, three rebounds, and four assists.

After the game, head coach Tim Cone shared his thoughts on the team's performance. Despite the loss, Cone remained optimistic about the team's potential. He acknowledged the shooting woes but emphasized the importance of these tune-up games in preparing the team for the actual tournament. Cone expressed satisfaction with his 11-man roster, but he also recognized the need for better execution and consistency, especially in shooting.

Preparing for the Olympic Qualifier Tournament

The Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia, is the ultimate goal for Gilas Pilipinas. These tune-up games are designed to help the team build chemistry, understand each other's playing styles, and identify areas that need improvement. The coaching staff will closely analyze the performance against Turkey to make necessary adjustments and ensure the team is better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Concerns over the depth of the Gilas squad arose after head coach Tim Cone confirmed his satisfaction with his 11-man roster for the OQT. He will look for his players to put up a better shooting performance when they face Poland in their second practice game on Sunday, June 30 (Philippine Standard Time), before departing for Riga, Latvia, for the Olympic Qualifiers. This game will be crucial for the team to address their weaknesses, particularly their shooting and defensive strategies. Poland, known for their disciplined and tactical gameplay, will provide another stern test for Gilas.

For Gilas Pilipinas, the journey to the 2024 Olympics is filled with challenges and opportunities. The loss to Turkey is a setback, but it also serves as a valuable lesson. The team has the talent and potential to bounce back and perform at a higher level. With experienced players like Brownlee and Fajardo leading the way, and young talents like Sotto learning and growing, there is hope for a strong performance in the OQT.

As Gilas Pilipinas continues their preparation, the fans' support will be crucial in boosting the team's morale and confidence. The road to the Olympics is tough, but with the right preparation and mindset, Gilas Pilipinas can rise to the occasion.

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