Tim Cone and Gilas Pilipinas is set for a Friday clash against Guam in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone appeared to be a believer of homecourt advantage.
Cone expressed that belief just days before the Nationals play in Guam for the first window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Friday, November 28.
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“It’s a whole different ball game when you’re playing at home. Players play differently in front of their home crowd, in their homecourt,” said Cone during the team’s sendoff at the Upper Deck last Monday, November 24.
To drive his point home, Cone recalled Gilas’ breakthrough win against New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers on November 21, 2024.
It was the Philippines’ first victory against the Tall Blacks after four losses in a FIBA-sanctioned tournament, which happened on home soil.
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“You look at the way we played New Zealand at home and how well we played New Zealand at home,” said the American mentor, referring to the match at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“And how hard it was for us to beat New Zealand at their home. Homecourt means something. That’s why this Friday game is really crucial for us.”
Cone also bluntly stated that Gilas’ hopes for a 2027 World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics appearance hinged entirely on these games in the first window of the qualifiers.
[ALSO READ: Cone stresses importance of Gilas' games vs Guam in FIBA WC Qualifiers]
That’s why Cone and Gilas are determined to set the tone and score a win on the road when they clash against Guam at the Yigo Village, Calvo Field House.
The game starts at 5 p.m. (Manila time).
“We got to come with our best foot forward. We can’t take anything for granted with them being at home, in front of their home crowd,” Cone added.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.