Gilas Pilipinas dedicates win to OFWs in Hong Kong

Filipinos in Hong Kong went out and supported Gilas Pilipinas as the Philippine national men’s basketball team took on the home team to open its campaign 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday.

While seeing Filipino fans in Gilas games all over the world is already usual for new head coach Tim Cone, he admitted that the support of the Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong helped them in their 94-64 win.

“We always have a crowd and I think that’s a big advantage that we have over other teams,” Cone said in a press conference after winning against Hong Kong.

“We know they had to spend their hard-earned money to watch the game and we truly appreciate them there. I thought they were [one of] the reasons we came out there in the second half, made a couple of nice plays, and they really got cheering hard and it kind of lifted our spirits and got some momentum,” the national team coach added.

This sentiment was echoed by Kevin Quiambao.

“For me, [it’s] super appreciated that they go out here to support us,” the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player said. 

“Good thing we got the win for them, for the OFWs that work here. I’m so glad to see them here. I’m glad we just got the win.”

However, the February window is not yet over as they return to Manila for their game against Chinese Taipei on Sunday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News