Kevin Quiambao says Gilas must prove it can hold its own against any formidable foe

Gilas Pilipinas are far from their intended form following their quarterfinal exit in the FIBA Asia Cup Wednesday night, Aug. 13.

The Nationals ceded a 60-84 decision against regional powerhouse Australia Boomers to end their campaign at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

As Gilas goes back to the drawing board, Kevin Quiambao said that he and his teammates will anchor on belief as they aim to reach the level where they can hold their own against the world’s best.

“Tulad nga ng sinasabi namin, 'Built on belief.' Kailangan naming patunayang kahit sino, kaya namin,” said the young gun, who was among the bright spots for Gilas in the continental meet.

[RELATED STORY: Kevin Quiambao still proud of Gilas despite loss to Australia, FIBA Asia Cup quarters exit]

But it's supposed to be a lengthy process — one that started with a stellar showing in the Olympic Qualifiers last year, where Gilas beat home team Latvia, pushed Georgia to its limits, before faltering against Brazil in the semifinals.

Needless to say, results are not exactly expected to come right away when Tim Cone rolled out a long-term program that will, hopefully, stretch up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The goal, after all, is to get better by the tournament.

[RELATED STORY: How Gilas Pilipinas have fared in the FIBA Asia Cup from 2011 to 2025]

That is also the rationale behind opting for a smaller pool, which Cone intends to keep in hopes of forging better chemistry and understanding of the triangle system.

“Pero kailangan 'yon ng matinding preparation at matinding commitment para makuha ang ganoong situwasyon,” added Quiambao.

Now Quiambao and the rest of Gilas gear up for the World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where they are bracketed against the region’s most formidable foes in Australia and New Zealand.

The team is expected to convene anew in October in time for the November window of the said tourney.