Tim Cone’s Squad Completes Perfect New Zealand Exhibition

Gilas Pilipinas completed its New Zealand training camp with another convincing victory after overwhelming Franklin, 94-66, to finish its exhibition schedule unbeaten before Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. The dominant performance followed another lopsided win over the Manawatu Jets, giving the national team valuable momentum before facing tougher international opposition.

The back-to-back victories highlighted the steady progress of Tim Cone’s system as multiple players contributed on both ends of the floor. Strong ball movement, disciplined defense, and balanced scoring continued to define Gilas throughout its brief but productive overseas preparation.

Carl Tamayo Continues Outstanding Form

Carl Tamayo once again led the Philippine offense with another efficient scoring performance during the team’s final exhibition in New Zealand. Basketball journalist Matthew Li reported that the versatile forward poured in 22 points while shooting an impressive 9-of-14 from the field, including four three-pointers.

Tamayo immediately established the game’s tempo by scoring 13 points during the opening quarter as Gilas built an early double-digit advantage. His ability to stretch the floor while attacking inside has quietly made him one of the national team’s most reliable offensive options entering the World Cup qualifying window.

Image from: Tiebreaker Times

Tamayo Sets the Offensive Tone

The former University of the Philippines standout combined efficient perimeter shooting with aggressive attacks around the basket throughout the contest. His continued offensive growth gives Gilas another dependable scoring option alongside several established veterans in Tim Cone’s rotation.

Dwight Ramos Delivers Another Complete Performance

Dwight Ramos complemented Tamayo with one of the most efficient all-around performances of the exhibition schedule while impacting nearly every statistical category. His balanced production highlighted the versatility that continues making him one of Gilas Pilipinas’ most valuable two-way players.

Ramos finished with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and converted eight of his 10 field-goal attempts in only 23 minutes. AJ Edu also continued his encouraging return from injury by adding 14 points and five rebounds while strengthening the Philippines’ interior presence.

Balanced Production Strengthens Gilas

Several players delivered meaningful contributions that reflected the team’s emphasis on collective execution rather than relying on one primary scorer.

• Dwight Ramos — 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
• AJ Edu — 14 points, 5 rebounds
• Kevin Quiambao — 9 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds
• Juan Gomez de Liaño — 8 points
• Justine Baltazar — 7 points

That offensive balance should provide the coaching staff greater flexibility as Gilas prepares for significantly tougher competition in the FIBA qualifiers.

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Fast Start Establishes Complete Control

Gilas Pilipinas wasted little time taking command by opening the game with a decisive 10-3 run before erupting for 32 first-quarter points. Franklin struggled to recover from that early surge as the Philippines consistently forced difficult shots while converting transition opportunities throughout the contest.

The Nationals eventually stretched their advantage to 31 points after another Carl Tamayo basket late in the fourth quarter, reflecting their sustained intensity on both ends of the floor. Mike Phillips and naturalized center Justin Brownlee were also rested, allowing Tim Cone to evaluate additional player combinations without sacrificing the team’s overall performance.

Strong Opening Quarter Creates Separation

Early defensive pressure and efficient ball movement allowed Gilas to establish control before Franklin could settle into its offensive rhythm. Maintaining that intensity throughout four quarters demonstrated the consistency the coaching staff hopes to carry into official FIBA competition.

Exhibition Sweep Builds Momentum

The victory completed an unbeaten 2-0 exhibition campaign after Gilas earlier defeated the Manawatu Jets by 31 points during the opening tune-up. While preseason results never guarantee future success, they often reveal encouraging habits that become valuable once official competition begins.

Balanced scoring, improved defensive communication, and greater offensive rhythm have become increasingly noticeable throughout Tim Cone’s current system. Those developments should strengthen the team’s confidence before facing two of Oceania’s strongest basketball programs in consecutive qualification games.

Tune-Up Results Reflect Steady Progress

Gilas concluded its New Zealand preparations with two convincing victories before returning to official FIBA competition.

• vs. Manawatu Jets: 92-61
• vs. Franklin: 94-66

The consistent performances also provided valuable opportunities to evaluate rotations while continuing to strengthen team chemistry.

Bigger Challenges Await in Window 3

Attention now shifts from exhibition basketball to meaningful FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying games where every result directly influences tournament positioning. Gilas Pilipinas will first visit the New Zealand Tall Blacks before traveling to Perth for another difficult matchup against the Australian Boomers.

Those two opponents represent a significant step up in competition compared with the exhibition schedule, requiring sharper execution on both offense and defense. If the habits developed during the New Zealand training camp continue carrying over, Gilas should enter both qualifiers with greater confidence and improved cohesion.

Official Competition Begins Next

The upcoming qualifying window will provide the clearest indication yet of how the current roster measures against elite international opposition. Performances against New Zealand and Australia should also help identify areas requiring further refinement before future FIBA competitions.

Analytical Breakdown: Building Momentum Before FIBA Qualifiers

Exhibition games rarely define a team’s ceiling, but they often reveal whether important habits are taking shape before official competition. As someone who closely follows basketball strategy and player development, I believe Gilas benefited from balanced scoring, disciplined execution, and consistent defensive effort throughout its New Zealand camp. Those qualities become increasingly valuable against opponents with greater depth and international experience.

Another encouraging sign is the continued growth of players like Carl Tamayo and Dwight Ramos within the national team setup. Having multiple players capable of producing on both ends of the floor gives the coaching staff greater flexibility during high-level competitions. If that collective approach carries into the FIBA qualifiers, Gilas will be better prepared for the challenges posed by New Zealand and Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led Gilas Pilipinas in scoring against Franklin?

Carl Tamayo scored a game-high 22 points, while Dwight Ramos contributed 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

What was Gilas Pilipinas’ exhibition record in New Zealand?

Gilas completed its tune-up schedule with an unbeaten 2-0 record after defeating the Manawatu Jets and Franklin.

Did Justin Brownlee play against Franklin?

No, Justin Brownlee was rested as the coaching staff evaluated other lineup combinations.

Which teams will Gilas Pilipinas face next?

The Philippines will face the New Zealand Tall Blacks and Australian Boomers in Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

Why are exhibition games important before FIBA qualifiers?

Exhibition games allow teams to improve chemistry, refine rotations, test tactical adjustments, and prepare for stronger international competition.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Sports Inquirer – Inquirer.net.