GILAS Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone was nearly at a loss for words after his team completed a memorable fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a 68-56 victory over Iran on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The win gave the Philippines back-to-back victories over Jordan and Iran and allowed the Nationals to finish the window with a 4-4 record.
Cone admitted the result made him particularly happy, especially after Gilas accomplished the feat without a naturalized player.
“I’m almost lost for words. That’s really unusual for me,” Cone said after the game. “I’m not usually lost for words, but I’m extremely happy.”
Kai Sotto even asked Cone whether he was now “the happiest guy in the world,” referring to the coach’s earlier statement that winning both games would make him just that.
“Right now, I’m the happiest guy in the world,” Cone said.
The veteran coach stressed the significance of beating two strong Asian teams in the same window, particularly Iran, which had been a difficult opponent for the Philippines over the years.
Cone noted that Sunday’s victory was reportedly only Gilas’ third win over Iran in their last 13 meetings.
“That just makes it really sweet to come out and win this game. And to do it at home,” he said.
Gilas again had to overcome a slow start, but Cone praised his players for refusing to panic and gradually working their way back into the contest.
For Cone, the bigger takeaway was the character Gilas displayed in both games.
“It was just a great character performance by these guys in both games,” he said.
The coach also acknowledged the challenge of maintaining focus after the emotional overtime victory over Jordan two nights earlier.
“It was so easy to kind of let down coming into this one, but they all knew the importance of it. They all knew the importance it was for them and for the country,” Cone said. “They came out and played. And it was fun to be a part of it. Really a lot of fun to be a part of it.” (Adrian Co)
