TIM Cone believes Gilas Pilipinas has something special brewing with its combination of size, talent and basketball IQ, particularly with Kai Sotto and June Mar Fajardo leading a talented big-man core.
Following Gilas’ perfect fourth window in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Cone said the team’s size is one of the biggest reasons the Philippines can compete at the international level.
“I think the thing is that the size that we have allows us to compete internationally. That’s really the key,” Cone said.
Cone pointed out that having Sotto and Fajardo, both Filipino, gives the national team a rare advantage.
“Kai is pure Filipino. June Mar is pure Filipino. I mean, that’s amazing to have guys of this caliber,” said amused Cone.
But for Cone, their value goes far beyond their height. “The thing about them is that they’re not just tall. They’re extremely talented. And they know the game,” he said.
Cone was particularly emphatic when discussing Sotto’s basketball instincts despite his towering 7-foot-3 frame.
“Kai, even though he’s 7’2”, 7’3”, you know, he plays like a point guard. He has the mentality of a point guard. He sees the floor. He reads the floor,” said Cone.
That combination of size and skill, Cone believes, is what makes Sotto such a unique weapon.
“He’s just out there playing and thinking the game, which is really rare for a big man. And I think that’s what makes him special, not just here in Asia, but totally internationally or anywhere,” Cone continued.
Cone also remains convinced that Gilas can compete with the best when the Philippines is able to bring its strongest lineup together.
“When we have our best players, we can compete with anybody,” he said.
The Gilas coach even believes the team can eventually challenge opponents from outside Asia. “Especially in Asia, that we feel we can even compete on a European level or an Australian level,” he said.
The biggest hurdle, however, has been getting those best players together at the same time.
“But we just haven’t been able to get all of our best players together,” Cone said.
And when that finally happens, he believes the Philippines could produce something truly special.
“Once that happens, I think you’ll really see some special things, some special moments for the program,” Cone ended. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
