Win-or-go-home for Gilas

Win-or-go-home for Gilas | Daily Tribune

“Yeah, the margin of error has really dissipated for us,” said Cone as he readies Gilas for a back-against-the-wall grind over a week from now.

Gilas advanced to the second round – barely – but is in a must-win situation against Middle Eastern giants Jordan, Iran and Syria.

With a carryover format, Gilas’ 2-4 win-loss record, tied with the Syrians, put the team in a precarious spot as only the top four teams after the round will secure berths to the main draw in Qatar next year.

This means Gilas must sweep its home stand against Jordan on 28 August and Iran two days later at the Mall of Asia Arena to remain in the hunt for a World Cup slot.

But turning Gilas’ fortunes around after four straight losses will take a complete collective effort.

“Like I've been saying over the last few weeks, this is an all-hands-on-deck kind of thing. We're trying to get everybody to show up,” Cone said.

Gilas has started training on Monday at the San Miguel Corporation training facility in Pasig.

One positive development for the national team is the return of center Kai Sotto, almost two years since his last appearance in the tricolors.

The 7-foot-3 Sotto has bolstered Gilas' size and firepower, serving as an enforcer in the paint.

However, naturalized player Justin Brownlee has yet to show up to practice following a long layoff due to hamstring, knee, and leg injuries that forced him to miss Gilas’ final road game against Australia in the third window on 6 July.

“It's really on me to make sure we get all the best players. We haven't been able to do that. I've been failing in my job because I just haven't been able to get all the best players,” Cone admitted.

Still, Gilas looks promising this time with Sotto back to join other overseas-based youngbloods Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and AJ Edu.

Also, back for a tour of duty is nine-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.

“June Mar wanted to retire, but we pulled him back in for the (FIBA) window. Although he's doubtful for the Asian Games,” Cone said.

Gilas is joined in Group E by unbeaten Australia (6-0) and New Zealand (4-2), Jordan (5-1), Iran (5-1) and Syria (2-4), which the Philippines will take on 27 November.

The top 12 teams after the first round were equally divided into two groups. Each team faces the squads it has not played in the first round twice.

Lebanon (5-1), Japan (4-2), Qatar (4-2), Saudi Arabia (3-3), South Korea (3-3) and China (3-3) are in Group F.

The top four teams in each group will earn seats to the 27 August to 12 September World Cup. As host, Qatar has already secured a spot. However, if Qatar is not ranked among the top four in its pool, the fourth-place teams from Groups E and F will be ranked against each other to determine the final qualifier.

Gilas’ work is already cut out starting at home.

“So, we're going to put up a fight here against them,” Cone said.