There was a time when Philippines versus Bahrain would’ve been a no-contest. And, under normal circumstances, it probably still is. But when Gilas Pilipinas take on Bahrain on Friday, September 11, to start off their Asian Games title defense, things will likely be very different. For one, the game itself could be more competitive than history would suggest.
That’s because these aren’t normal circumstances for Gilas Pilipinas. First and foremost, this isn’t the A team, for lack of a better description. It might not even be the B team. In other words, this isn’t the best national team the Philippines is sending to the Asian Games. Worse, it was formed just three weeks ago, and two lopsided defeats to South Korea showed how much work is needed to get this squad into fighting form.
Second, this Gilas Pilipinas isn’t even parading a naturalized player when other teams are suiting up two, three, and even four of those. The usually dependable Justin Brownlee hasn’t healed up in time to reinforce the Philippines for its title defense, while Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization took longer than expected. Big man Malick Diouf was surprisingly not included, while Ange Kouame has a live contract in France.
Bahrain Will Be an Acid Test for Gilas Pilipinas
Finally, Bahrain is fielding a roster reinforced by not one, not two, but four naturalized players—including one with legitimate NBA experience in Jakarr Sampson.
The 6-foot-9 Sampson played six years in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and Indiana Pacers, and averaged 5.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.5 blocks in 15 minutes of action. So far, he has played four games for Bahrain in the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers, where he put up 17.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Needless to say, Sampson is sure to be a nightmare matchup for Gilas Pilipinas, whose tallest players are 6-foot-8 bigs Justine Baltazar and Brandon Bates.
“He’s good. He can shoot from the outside, he’s very strong,” said Gilas Pilipinas lead deputy Richard Del Rosario of Sampson.
But Sampson isn’t alone. He will be joined by 6-foot-10 Uros Ilic, 6-foot-11 Elijah Thomas, and 6-foot-7 Austin Ajukwa. Thomas and Ilic might not be household names, but with their height, they could pose major problems offensively and defensively against Gilas Pilipinas’ undersized frontcourt.
Ajukwa, a former NCAA Division I player, is a player to keep an eye on as well, as he is an athletic scorer who can create off the dribble, attack the rim, and knock down some threes. Crucially, the Philippines’ best matchup against Ajukwa is Calvin Oftana, who is coming off injury and is a late addition to the final lineup.
Outlook for Opener
Needless to say, Gilas Pilipinas is in for a potential dogfight against Bahrain, mostly on account of their four naturalized players, whose combination of size and skill could be hard to deal with for an undersized team. Del Rosario, though, is confident, noting that the nationals already “have a pretty good idea of how to battle against Bahrain.”
Tim Cone seems optimistic as well. “The guys feel ready, and are excited to represent,” he said ahead of the two teams’ Asian Games opener scheduled at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the Aichi International Arena.
But make no mistake about it—Gilas Pilipinas will need to bring their A game against Bahrain. Otherwise, they could start off their title defense with a loss.
