As Gilas Pilipinas take on New Zealand and Australia in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the national team's most memorable upsets.
Every once in a while, Gilas Pilipinas shock the world by pulling off an upset or two in the biggest stages.
Perhaps the most dramatic among them was their 2013 FIBA Asia Cup win against long-time tormentor South Korea at home, which allowed the Philippines to clinch a FIBA World Cup slot for the first time in decades.
In the World Championships, Gilas then followed it up with a dramatic win over Senegal for the country’s first win at that stage in 40 years.
[RELATED STORY: Cone says he understands Kai Sotto's decision to skip latest FIBA window]
From coach Chot Reyes, to Tab Baldwin, and now with current shot-caller Tim Cone, the beloved squad has continued to give Filipinos reasons to celebrate and support the team one tournament after another.
And as Gilas Pilipinas face the daunting task of hosting both New Zealand and Australia in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, here’s a One Sports list on Gilas’ memorable upsets under the Cone era.
China (2023 Asian Games)
It was the first real test for Cone as head coach just weeks after Reyes stepped down from the post.
With a hastily-assembled squad, Cone went to Hangzhou, China with only Final Four finish in mind.
But thanks in large part to Justin Brownlee, Gilas upended the host team in the semifinals, 77-76, to reach the Finals against Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s Jordan.
Brownlee came up big in the clutch, knocking down back-to-back threes to complete the come-from-behind win. He finished with 33 points.
Gilas went on to beat Jordan and claim the Asiad gold for the first time in 61 years.
Latvia (2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament)
Cone’s program was still at its infancy even during this time.
But just months after officially taking over Gilas, a Paris Olympics berth appeared within reach after the Philippines stunned then world no. 6 Latvia in their home court, 89-80.
Brownlee once again worked his magic for the Nationals to complete the monumental upset.
[ALSO READ: Justin Brownlee sizzles as Gilas Pilipinas shock world no. 6 Latvia for strong start in FIBA OQT]
It was the Philippines’ first win against a European team in 64 years.
New Zealand (FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers)
Here’s what everyone hopes Gilas to replicate on Feb. 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After four losses in as many games against the Tall Blacks, the Nationals stunned New Zealand in a close encounter, 93-89.
It was Kai Sotto who starred for the team in the upset, as the 7-foot-3 center churned out 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists. a steal, and two blocks.
[ALSO READ: 'He's doing it all': Kai Sotto stars in Gilas Pilipinas' breakthrough win vs. New Zealand]
Gilas Pilipinas will host New Zealand on Feb. 26, followed by another big game against Australia in March 1.
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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.