The 2023 FIBA world cup is nearing its kickoff date and basketball enthusiasts are excited to see how the tournament plays out and which teams enter the second round. Asian teams are guaranteed to put up a competitive outing with co-hosts Philippines entering the competition with a similar attitude in place.
About the Philippine Men’s National Basketball Team
The Philippine Men's National Basketball Team, also known simply as Gilas Pilipinas, has historically been a great international team, known for winning the Bronze medal at the 1954 FIBA World Championship.
Back in its heyday, the island nation was a tough team to beat as they managed to win four FIBA Asia championships between 1950 and 1973 and another one in 1985. Despite its past glories, however, the nation struggled to qualify for the world cup in the 80s, 90s and 2000s.
After 32 years since the 1982 FIBA World Championship, the Philippines qualified for the 2014 World Cup and finished 21st in the tournament. The 2023 edition will be the first time the Philippines will be competing in its third consecutive world cup appearance.
Team Philippines Squad for the World Cup
The following is the list of players who will be part of the upcoming FIBA men’s world cup.
| Player Name | Position | Date of Birth |
| Rhenz Abando | Shooting guard | March 11, 1998 (25 years old) |
| Japeth Aguilar | Center | January 25, 1987 (36 years old) |
| Justin Brownlee | Small forward | April 23, 1988 (35 years old) |
| Jordan Clarkson | Shooting guard | June 7, 1992 (31 years old) |
| AJ Edu | Power forward/Center | January 1, 2000 (23 years old) |
| Poy Erram | Center | July 7, 1989 (34 years old) |
| Jordan Heading | Shooting guard | January 30, 1996 (27 years old) |
| June Mar Fajardo | Center | November 17, 1989 (33 years old) |
| Ange Kouame | Center | December 15, 1997 (25 years old) |
| Jamie Malonzo | Small forward | July 31, 1996 (26 years old) |
| Chris Newsome | Point guard | July 25, 1990 (33 years old) |
| Calvin Oftana | Small forward | January 3, 1996 (27 years old) |
| Bobby Ray Parks Jr. | Point guard/Shooting guard | February 19, 1993 (30 years old) |
| CJ Perez | Shooting guard | November 17, 1993 (29 years old) |
| Roger Ray Pagoy | Shooting guard | June 16, 1992 (31 years old) |
| Dwight Ramos | Shooting guard/point guard | September 2, 1998 (24 years old) |
| Kiefer Ravena | Point guard | October 27, 1993 (29 years old) |
| Thirdy Ravena | Shooting guard | December 17 1996 (26 years old) |
| Kai Sotto | Center | May 11, 2002 (21 years old) |
| Carl Tamayo | Power forward | February 13, 2001 (22 years old) |
| Scottie Thompson | Point guard/Shooting guard | July 12, 1993 (30 years old) |
*Note: This extended roster was revealed by team Philippines in early June of this year.
Key Matchups for Team Philippines
As the Philippines prepare to face off against the world's top national teams, the group-stage matchups will decide how far the island nation can progress in its world cup campaign. These matchups are crucial in determining how well Gilas Pilipinas fare and have a chance at the gold medal.
First up will be the Dominican Republic. Ranked 23rd on the FIBA world rankings, Gilas Pilipinas will have their work cut out as battling a defensive-heavy team will be an uphill climb. The team is also offense-heavy with its leading scorers Jean Montero, Rigoberto Mendoza, Gelvis Solano, and Victor Liz confirmed to be a part of the team moving forward. This will be a must-win battle to keep their campaign alive.
The Philippine team’s second game will be against Angola. The central-African nation is ranked just below Gilas Pilipinas at 41 but has the potential to upset better teams. The team must focus on improving their shooting accuracy and minimizing turnovers to gain a decisive victory over Angola and focus on potential big games ahead.
Italy will be the Philippines' third matchup and their toughest challenge in the group stages. Italy is ranked higher, has better collective defense and offense, and may win this encounter with decent to little resistance. However, an upset over one of Europe’s best teams will send a strong message to other contenders.
It will be crucial for Gilas Pilipinas to improve its individual talents but also embrace teamwork and unity — a characteristic deeply ingrained in Filipino sportsmanship values known as "puso" (heart). A solid offense with disciplined defense will be necessary to prevail and further compete in the latter stages of the tournament.
FAQs
A. Their Bronze medal win in the 1954 world championship is their best performance.
A. The Philippines is ranked 40 on the FIBA world rankings.
A. Philippines have previously appeared five times. The 2023 edition will be their sixth trip to the world cup.
