Gilas to battle tough NZ’s Tall Blacks in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

GILAS PILIPINAS will be up against a New Zealand (NZ) squad brimming with international experience and firepower when they duel in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers on Friday in Auckland.

The Tall Blacks called up veteran guards Tai Webster and Shea Ili, FIBA Asia Cup stalwart Mojave King and young center Sam Waardenburg to join the eight holdovers from the crew that defeated Gilas back in Window 2 in Manila, 69-66.

Mr. Webster, 31, is making his comeback after last playing for NZ and averaging 13.4 points and 4.8 assists in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China while Mr. Ili, a two-time Defensive of the Year awardee in the NBL, is set to add to his 73 appearances for the Tall Blacks in this window.

“Shea and Tai are two guys that have great experience on the international scene, it’s great to have them available,” said NZ coach Judd Flavell of the duo.

Back for the return match with the Filipinos are Taylor Britt, Carlin Davison, Sam Mennenga, Taine Murray, Jordan Ngatai, Tohi Smith-Milner, Reuben Te Rangi and Sam Timmins.

“It will be one of the most experienced teams in recent times… and it will be one that excites a lot of New Zealand hoops fans,” the Tall Blacks said in describing the roster.

The troops of coach Tim Cone, led by the recharged Justin Brownlee, go into the road outing carrying the momentum of emphatic wins over NZ clubs Manawatu Jets, 92-61, and Franklin Bulls, 94-66, and the benefit of a 10-day camp in Oceania.

Like its opponent, Gilas is bringing back eight from the previous duel — Mr. Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos and Carl Tamayo.

Set to give this rematch a different flavor are debutants RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, Troy Rosario and Mike Phillips.

Tickets for the explosive Group A match set at the Spark Arena have already been sold out, adding to the electricity as the visitors eye revenge and the home side seeks a repeat to book the third and last ticket to the next round.

Gilas is already assured of its spot in Round 2 with six points on two wins against two losses, gaining from a sweep of its first-round games against cellar-dwelling Guam. With eight points on a perfect 4-0, Australia has a lock on the top qualifying berth from this bracket with a window to spare. — Olmin Leyba