Gilas Pilipinas Men finished the first round of the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers group phase with a rousing 79-63 victory over India. 

The Philippines is heading into the second round with a 2-2 record and will be clustered along with New Zealand (4-0), India (0-4), Lebanon (4-1), Saudi Arabia (3-2), and Jordan (3-2) in Group E. All first round records will carry over into the next group phase. 

After four games, Dwight Ramos has been on a tear with averages of 15.5 points on 41.8 percent shooting, 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 steals. Will Navarro is the only other player who has played in all four games while putting up 4.8 points and 2.3 boards, serving as a versatile wing player and reserve big man. 

Gilas Men have been resilient despite the apparent lack of size. The loss of Ange Kouame was felt during the recent window but it gave Geo Chiu, Carl Tamayo, and newcomer Kevin Quiambao an opportunity to showcase their talents. 

Tamayo has amassed 12.5 points, including 1.5 makes from beyond the arc, to go along with 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. In his first game in the qualifiers, he had 16 points and five boards against a tough New Zealand team. And despite nursing an ankle sprain, he started against India last Sunday to come up with nine points, nine rebounds, and three steals in 23 minutes of play. 

The 6-foot-8 Chiu has been a much-need presence in the paint for Gilas. In just two games, he is the team’s leading rebounder in the qualifiers with 8.5 rebounds per game. Quiambao, meanwhile, was able to strut his all-around game versus India with six points, five boards, and six dimes. He had a number of nifty passes that opened Gilas’ offense. 

The young Gilas team may have been undermanned and undersized, but have shown grit and resolve against top competition. That same determination will be needed in the second round. 

Among the 12 teams remaining, only seven teams will advance to the FIBA World Cup. As hosts of the tournament’s final phase, the Philippines has already qualified, in addition to the seven spots available. Fellow host Japan is also qualified in accordance with its ranking but will take up one of the seven slots. On the other hand, third host Indonesia will have to reach at least the quarterfinals of the FIBA Asia Cup. 

In the next round, each team will compete in a home-and-away format versus the three other teams from the other group. In the case of the Gilas Men who were in Group A, they will take on Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan of Group C. The top three teams of each group in the second round (along with Japan and the Philippines) will qualify for the World Cup. If Indonesia manages to claim its guaranteed spot, then the third-best team will advance along with the top two in each group. 

The fourth window is slated for August 22 to 30 later this year.