Tim Cone says the evolution of Gilas Pilipinas’ young players has exceeded expectations, citing improved basketball IQ, defensive discipline, and composure under pressure in recent outings.
The young core, including Kevin Quiambao, Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Carl Tamayo, has shown flashes of maturity that even the normally demanding Cone finds encouraging. Despite a tough double-overtime loss to New Zealand, the coach highlighted how quickly the new generation is absorbing his system and competing against seasoned regional lineups.
Online, fan reaction is split between excitement and caution. Some see a bright FIBA future; others warn that youth alone does not guarantee international tournament success.
Sources: Rappler, Daily Tribune, SPIN.ph, ABS-CBN, Tiebreaker Times, GMA Network
