Latest news with #VeselinMatic
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
What other teams said about Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup
Gilas Pilipinas may have fallen short of its goal of winning gold at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, but the team earned praise from opposing coaches who also showcased their countries' talents on the international stage. The Philippines ended in the top eight of the tournament as it fell against Australia, 84-60, in the quarterfinals. Before that, however, Gilas won back-to-back against Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Here are some of the thoughts from different FIBA Asia Cup coaches on the Philippine team: Experienced "Philippine guys have more experience. They play the World Cup qualifiers, they play the Asian Games with so many players. They've played together for two, three years. So, if you consider the two teams, there is a huge difference in experience. But experience is only one part of the game." — Gianluca Tucci (Chinese Taipei) 'Superstars' "I've known for a long time, this team of the Philippines... all these players, they are superstars over there. And that is when the championship [experience is] coming, they are coming with a superstar. I'm sure that the Philippines is improving [by] playing hard games. That will help them in the future... For me, the Philippines is [a] top four or top six team here." — Veselin Matic (Iraq) "It's top-level in the FIBA rankings. They have excellent players." — Ricard Casas Gurt (Saudi Arabia) Gilas Pilipinas, however, hopes that the praise they received, and the lessons they learned from the tournament, will carry over when they return to action in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers this November. READ MORE | What's Next for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup? Gilas Pilipinas tournament recap: —JKC, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Filipino Times
Iraq coach lauds Gilas Pilipinas after FIBA Asia Cup loss
Despite bowing to Gilas Pilipinas, Iraq head coach Veselin Matic had nothing but praise for the Philippine squad competing in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. The Philippines scored a 66–57 win over Iraq in the group stage on Saturday, securing a spot in the qualification to the quarterfinals. Iraq, which started strong with an 18–12 lead in the first quarter, eventually faltered as Gilas pulled away in the third period, sealing the win and eliminating the Iraqi team from contention. Matic attributed the result to the Philippines' experience. 'I know for a long time, this team of the Philippines… all these players, they are superstars over there. And that is when the championship [experience is] coming, they are coming with a superstar. I'm sure that the Philippines is improving [by] playing hard games, that will help them in the future,' Matic said. 'For me, the Philippines is [a] top four or top six team here,' he added. Looking ahead, Matic said he hopes Iraq can improve by competing in more international tournaments, such as the Jones Cup. Iraq is currently ranked 92nd in the world by FIBA.
GMA Network
10-08-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
Iraq coach praises Gilas Pilipinas squad in FIBA Asia Cup
Despite losing to Gilas Pilipinas, Iraq head coach Veselin Matic praised the Philippine squad competing in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. The Philippines defeated Iraq, 66–57, in group stage play on Saturday to advance to the qualification to the quarterfinals. Iraq had a good start and led 18–12 in the first period before the Philippines pulled away in the third period and eventually claimed the win. Iraq, meanwhile, was eliminated from contention. Asked about Iraq's performance, Matic said it was more about the Philippines being the more experienced team. "I know for a long time, this team of the Philippines... all these players, they are superstars over there. And that is when the championship [experience is] coming, they are coming with a superstar. I'm sure that the Philippines is improving [by] playing hard games, that will help them in the future," Matic said. 'For me, the Philippines is [a] top four or top six team here,' he added. Moving forward, Matic said he wants the Iraq squad to improve by playing more international games, such as those in the Jones Cup. Iraq is currently ranked 92nd in the world by FIBA. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
