Gilas Pilipinas is poised for a lopsided victory over Iraq in their must-win clash at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup this afternoon in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to former national team member Jerry Codiñera.
Codiñera recognized the psychological challenge Gilas faces after back-to-back losses to Chinese Taipei and New Zealand to open the tournament.
“I think this will not be close; I think tambak ‘yan,” Codiñera said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s The Scorecard. “It is a very crucial game against Iraq, and I hope to see them overcome ‘yung struggles nila.”
“Psychologically kasi mabigat ‘yung dalawang talo. They are thinking that it’s a walk in the park that they are beating Chinese Taipei, and obviously natalo tayo dun, and then next we go up against a very powerhouse team in New Zealand,” he added.
Despite the rocky start, the “Defense Minister” expressed confidence Gilas can dominate if the players stick to their assignments and fulfill their roles.
“Kaya nila ‘yan as long as they do their assignment, gawin nila ‘yung respective roles nila,” Codiñera said.
📽️ Watch Codiñera’s full interview here:
A decisive win over Iraq would not only keep Gilas’ hopes of advancing alive but also help restore the team’s confidence heading into the knockout rounds.
