Gilas Pilipinas is set to sharpen its form with two tune-up games against New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) squads—the Manawatu Property Brokers Jets and the Franklin Bulls. The two matches are part of the national team’s build-up for the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
A Great Early Test for the New-Look Gilas
Head coach Tim Cone and his players are maximizing the remaining days before their July 3 and 6 clashes against New Zealand and Australia, respectively. The national team will first get a chance to measure itself against NZNBL competition, a timely test for a roster missing several key names.
Calvin Oftana, Scottie Thompson, Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown, and Cjay Perez are all unavailable, with Oftana and Thompson sidelined by injuries sustained during the recent PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. Filipino fans will instead see RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Mike Phillips, and Justine Baltazar suiting up once more for the national squad.
Jets and Bulls to Check on Gilas
With new faces donning the blue and white, Gilas will look to build chemistry and gain valuable experience against the Jets and Bulls.
The NZNBL is currently in the middle of its 2026 season. The Jets hold a 4-10 record and sit 10th in the standings, while the Bulls own a 5-8 mark and are ranked seventh.
According to Bulls club director Scott Kelso, fans should be “100 percent hyped” for the upcoming exhibition. “It’s very rare to get to see a team like the Philippines in person, let alone at home at the Stockyard. The Bulls can’t wait to host Gilas Pilipinas and we are excited to welcome fans of both teams. This is going to be a great exhibition of basketball,” he said via bulls basketball.nz.
The Jets have likewise promoted their upcoming tune-up against Gilas through their official Facebook page.
Focus Beyond the Tune-Ups
Currently holding a 2-2 record, Gilas Pilipinas has already advanced to the next round of the qualifiers. However, every win matters, as results from this stage will carry over into the next phase. The top three teams in Group C are Jordan (3-0), Iran (2-1), and Syria (1-2).
Before looking ahead, though, Gilas must first focus on the immediate challenge—Australia and New Zealand loom large, and these tune-ups against the Jets and Bulls will serve as crucial preparation.
