Gilas Pilipinas went 2-0 in Window 2 of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, notching a historic win over New Zealand and a rout of Hong Kong. Both wins came in front of a jampacked Mall of Asia Arena and secured the Philippines a spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup next year in Jeddah Saudi Arabia.
The nationals’ collective effort against New Zealand and Hong Kong no doubt deserves an A+. And, in a way, everyone deserves an A+, too, for effort. But if we’re being completely honest, some players stood out more than the rest. So, we broke down the games and handed out individual grades for everyone.
Justin Brownlee (Grade: A)
2 games – 19.5 PPG | 7.0 RPG | 3.5 APG | 2.5 SPG | 1.0 BPG
Brownlee did his thing—again. He made the right plays, made the right reads, and did the right things. But those two free throws he uncharacteristically missed late against New Zealand made us a bit nervous.
Kai Sotto (Grade: A+)
2 games – 15.6 PPG | 12.5 RPG | 4.5 APG | 0.5 SPG | 2.0 BPG
Kaiju stood tall against the Tall Blacks and played his best game for Gilas ever. He’s turning into a force for the national team.
June Mar Fajardo (Grade: C+)
2 games – 10.0 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 1.0 APG | 0.5 SPG | 0.5 BPG
The eight-time PBA MVP struggled mightily on defense against the Tall Blacks. Made up for it against Hong Kong, though, by throwing his weight around.
Dwight Ramos (Grade: B–)
1 game – 11 points | 6 rebounds | 4 assists
Ramos wasn’t particularly at his best against New Zealand. Struggled defensively against Corey Webster and was uncharacteristically passive. Sat out against Hong Kong to rest an injury.
Scottie Thompson (Grade: A)
2 games – 10.0 PPG | 3.5 RPG | 4.5 APG | 1.0 SPG
Kept Gilas afloat in the second quarter versus New Zealand. Did all the little things as only he could.
Chris Newsome (Grade: A+)
2 games – 10.0 PPG | 3.0 RPG | 3.5 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.5 BPG
Dagger three late against the Tall Blacks was a fitting end to Newsome’s two-way brilliance.
Calvin Oftana (Grade: C–)
2 games – 1.5 PPG | 0.5 RPG | 0.5 APG
Limited minutes, limited production.
CJay Perez (Grade: B)
2 games – 5.5 PPG | 3.0 RPG | 1.5 APG | 1.5 SPG
Played within himself and was a contributor in both games.
Carl Tamayo (Grade: B)
2 games – 10.0 PPG | 3.0 RPG | 0.5 APG
Seized the moment against Hong Kong, was so-so versus New Zealand.
Kevin Quiambao (Grade: B)
1 game – 8 points | 5 rebounds | 4 assists
DNP against the Tall Blacks, but stayed ready. Showed true potential versus Hong Kong.
Japeth Aguilar (Grade: C–)
2 games – 1.5 RPG | 0.5 SPG
Spot minutes, little production.
Mason Amos (Grade: C–)
1 game – 3 points | 2 rebounds | 1 assists | 1 block
Shooting specialist got shots versus Hong Kong. Stroke looks pure but overall game needs work.
