Gilas eyes home-court boost against Middle East powers

Iran is missing one of its top players while Jordan is still adjusting to the system of its new Spanish coach.

Although the two Middle Eastern giants have issues to deal with, it doesn’t change the fact that Gilas Pilipinas will have a tough time defending its home turf against both visiting squads in the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this coming weekend.

The top two teams in their group after the first-round travel to Manila to battle host Philippines and better their chances of securing tickets to the main draw in Qatar next year.

Jordan gets the first shot against Gilas Pilipinas on Friday before Iran’s turn to take on the home team on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Both squads enter the round with a carryover record of 5-1 while Gilas, which dropped its last four games, holds a 2-4 mark in Group E.

The Jordanians, despite an impressive opening round, need to get their acts together after struggling in the 45th William Jones Cup in Taiwan recently under the watch of new mentor Luis Guil Torres.

He replaced Wesam Al-Sous after the third window as the team’s third coach in 14 months. Al-Sous took over the position from Roy Rana.

Jordan’s revolving door of coaches has put the team in constant adjustments, which could be costly.

The Jordanians finished sixth in the Jones Cup with just two wins compared to five losses, including a shocking 74-80 upset at the hands of Malaysia.

Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas beat Jordan, 96-91, in the battle for fifth.

On the other hand, Iran will be without guard Sina Vahedi, who is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered in the East Asian Super League finals while playing for the New Taipei Kings.

The 6-foot-1 Vahedi is a familiar face, Meralco’s Asian import in the EASL averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.