Philippines, 15 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Can cramming make it for small Gilas Pillipinas?


PhilBoxing.com




IRAN, as expected, remained the top team (to beat) based on the latest Power Ranking released by Fiba Asia in time for the region?s Olympic qualifying tournament set to start on Wednesday in Changsa, China. Iran is the reigning Asian basketball champion.

China, in a determined drive to regain Asian supremacy, is rated No. 2, followed by the Philippines.

The Philippines, represented by the Gilas Pilipinas squad, has been ranked third, based on its showing in the Jones Cup and the MVP Cup.

Gilas Pilipinas finished second to Iran in the Jones Cup in Taipei, and later topped the MVP Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

**

It was noted in the Fiba Asia ranking that the Philippines showed improvement in its last two tournaments.

Host China got its lofty ranking for its homecourt advantage, ?plus thebiggest line-up in the field featuring four players standing at least six-feet-10.?

Jordan, coached by former Gilas mentor Rajko Toroman, is fourth in the Fiba Asia ranking.

**

Regarding the supposed improved showing by the Philippines, it should be noted that national coach Tad Baldwin had tacitly admitted at the end of the MVP Cup that they were not yet ready for the Olympic qualifying test.

There was no specific factor mentioned and Baldwin instead tooK the national team to Cebu in a secluded build-up camp.

While the poor form of the overweight naturalized team pillar Andray Blatche has been a main concern, the light first-round schedule of Gilas in China means time could partly be on the Philippine side. Gilas Pilipinas is bracketed with lightweights Hong Kong, Kuwait and Palestine, and Blatche could yet make some recovery before the hard grind in the succeeding round.

**

Baldwin also appeared pleased with the commitment and weight improvement Blatche has so far displayed.

Based on reports, Gilas players have been going through a merciless grind as they cram in order to come up with a tough and respectable pressure defense.

Of course, the main target is still tall and mighty Iran, against which Baldwin has been working on fence-off, switch, box-out, shift, trap and everything possible.

**

Baldwin was also quoted as stressing the need for solid unity and perfect tempo in order to gain control of the floor.

Of course, it?s no secret that Gilas doesn?t have the desired manpower, the proper hardware needed to jump the gun on Iran.
But the credentialed coach appears convinced they can still make it, provided a special system he has prepared works.

As reported from Cebu before the Gilas team left for Manila, Baldwin had to go hard on crowd darling Terence Romeo for playing it soft in an exacting defensive drill.

The unorthdox Romeo, a pesky free-flower, continued to dribble and dance to a different drummer.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Nikita Tszyu Health Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Naseem Hamed Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Kiddie Chess Tournament Goes to Farmers Plaza
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • 11 martial arts in BP 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • NM Medina beats Slovak GM, draws with FM Castellano to win the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • “The Wonder Boy” Carl Jammes Martin Ready to Shine October 29 at the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 19: JOE FRAZIER FIGHTS ALI, QUARRY AND ELLIS AGAIN
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Berchelt captures "Reynosa" WBC commemorative belt after triumphant return
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Supeyia Fights Mamdouh in Brico Santig’s Thailand Show; Elmo Traya and Raymond Yanong Also in Action Oct 25 LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • PIJUS LABUTIS MAKES HISTORY WITH MAIDEN MATCHROOM MAJOR TRIUMPH IN HANOI
    , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV DEFEATS DAVE ALLEN AND DEMANDS TO FACE AJ NEXT
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Domingo faces Fajardo in Thrilla in Manila 2 Countdown
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Doroma-Aranas 2 on October 13
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FOR FISTS OF FURY 8, TOMORROW NIGHT AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.