Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone (right) and deputy Richard Del Rosario (left) during the team’s press conference on Monday, August 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Photo by Ryan Franco Verano, ABS-CBN News Digital Intern.MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas’ title-retention bid in the Asian Games came to an unfortunate end at the hands of rival China, with the revamped roster crashing out in the group stage for the first time since 2014.
The Nationals, who were led by head coach Tim Cone and deputy Richard del Rosario, absorbed a 105-61 defeat on Monday, a loss that sent Gilas to ninth place and out of the quarterfinals.
The 44-point drubbing left Gilas third in its group with a minus-17 point differential, the worst among the third-placed teams, allowing China to avenge its loss to the Philippines in the semifinals of their 2023 meeting at the Asiad.
Among those who aired their frustrations was one of the founding members of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), Noli Eala, with the former PBA Commissioner having strong words for the squad.
“Nakakahiya! The exit in the group stage of Gilas marks a record worst-ever finish for the Philippines in the history of the Asian Games,” Eala wrote in a social media post. “Horrific considering we were defending champs after waiting 61 years to regain the title.”
Gilas’ 2026 Asiad roster was built from an all-PBA lineup, with Calvin Oftana being the only remnant of that 2023 championship team that defeated Jordan in the Finals.
Oftana was put in place of the injured Justin Brownlee, who continued to miss national team duties due to multiple injuries to both legs.
But aside from roster construction, Eala said Gilas’ approach ahead of the match was already questionable.
“Gilas came into this game with a mindset that they could just lose,” he stressed. “Mind you, not win, lose by 37. Where is the national pride? They lost 105-61. 44 points. Unacceptable. A national embarrassment.”
Del Rosario, however, was quick to defend Gilas after the team was questioned over its mindset.
“We play to win! I respect you. However, before you make wild accusations and presumptions about our mindset, make sure that you know what was said inside the dugout,” del Rosario replied.
“We are embarrassed by the loss, same as everyone else, but we never entertained the idea to just play not to lose,” he added.
But for Eala, Gilas and the SBP should show accountability for what was a woeful exit for the Philippines, one that came even before the Asiad officially opened.
“If it was a wrong conclusion then I stand corrected, coach, and I apologize. I know how to do that. I wonder if you guys know how to do that too,” said Eala.
Gilas previously held simultaneous preparations for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the 2026 Asian Games in July.
Cone previously led the FIBA team built around Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao, and Dwight Ramos, while Robert Bolick, Adrian Nocum, and the rest of the Asiad squad prepared under del Rosario.