2026 PBA Governor's Cup

[bisdak40]

I also see a post saying Thompson is a better player than Abando because of the championship ring he has, but in my opinion if Thompson is not in Gins he would have not get rings and other awards, while abando is already experience player abroad, I'm just curious why they don't want him on the Gilas pool, Tim cone also know that abando is a great player, are they singling him out because he play overseas and not in the pba team? what do you think is the main reason and is Thompson is better than abando in basketball?

I would not agree that Scottie Thompson is a better player than Rhenz Abando because of the championship rings that he have in the PBA particularly with the Gin Kings. If i were to choose who is the better player at the moment then i would pick Abando because of his experience playing overseas. It is just unfortunate though that he wasn't included in the roster of Gilas maybe because of his size and the politics behind the choosing of players. Tim Cone has his criteria and he might found a way how to use Thompson effectively in Gilas because he already knows the capability of Thompson as he is coaching him for a long time already.

[Questat]

I would not agree that Scottie Thompson is a better player than Rhenz Abando because of the championship rings that he have in the PBA particularly with the Gin Kings. If i were to choose who is the better player at the moment then i would pick Abando because of his experience playing overseas. It is just unfortunate though that he wasn't included in the roster of Gilas maybe because of his size and the politics behind the choosing of players. Tim Cone has his criteria and he might found a way how to use Thompson effectively in Gilas because he already knows the capability of Thompson as he is coaching him for a long time already.

Both players are really good, no question about that, but it's understandable why people want Abando in the lineup instead of Thompson because they want to see some changes in the team. With the same roster, sometimes it feels like we're just going to see the same story again.

Based on my observation, Thompson doesn't really stand out that much on the international stage, especially on offense, and since their opponents are usually bigger, he also becomes more ordinary there. He cannot grab rebounds the same way he does in the PBA.

[LogitechMouse]

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Tim Cone has his criteria and he might found a way how to use Thompson effectively in Gilas because he already knows the capability of Thompson as he is coaching him for a long time already.

Both players are really good, no question about that, but it's understandable why people want Abando in the lineup instead of Thompson because they want to see some changes in the team. With the same roster, sometimes it feels like we're just going to see the same story again.

Based on my observation, Thompson doesn't really stand out that much on the international stage, especially on offense, and since their opponents are usually bigger, he also becomes more ordinary there. He cannot grab rebounds the same way he does in the PBA.

If I say that there's politics involved as to why they always get Thompson, will you agree with me?

Kidding aside, Coach Tim Cone have already stated multiple times in interviews that he prioritizes the familiarity of his system and the chemistry around the players, and that's probably one reason why he's always getting Thompson and let's add Abbarientos in the mix as well because they're under him. I agree with what you said that he isn't the Thompson that we've seen in the past where he's getting rebounds, a good defender and a passer as well, and probably that's because of injuries and he becoming older already.

I would also love to see Abando playing, but for some unknown reasons, they don't want him to play. I said the possible reasons in the past, but I think it's because of how bad he is at shooting and how skinny he is as well. Anyway, we're 9 days away from the 4th tournament and still we haven't seen the final lineup for the team. I wonder who will be the "first-timers" that will be included if there's anybody.

[Ziskinberg]

This tune-up game will give us an idea who could possibly represent Gilas.

There's no final roster yet, but we're already seeing some familiar faces here, although still no Brownlee probably. In this tune-up game they faced RJ's previous team, and Gilas only won by a slim margin, so that makes me wonder, are they really ready already?

[mirakal]

This tune-up game will give us an idea who could possibly represent Gilas.

There's no final roster yet, but we're already seeing some familiar faces here, although still no Brownlee probably. In this tune-up game they faced RJ's previous team, and Gilas only won by a slim margin, so that makes me wonder, are they really ready already?

That is good news, but the bad news is still no Brownlee, so we might be seeing Gilas with an all-Filipino lineup.

Not really bad news either, at least we will see how good their teamwork is because with that setup, they really have to help each other score since there is no one superstar they can always rely on. I think that's also something we should build for the future, not depending too much on one player because once that player gets injured, our chances can easily be affected.

[arwin100]

This tune-up game will give us an idea who could possibly represent Gilas.

There's no final roster yet, but we're already seeing some familiar faces here, although still no Brownlee probably. In this tune-up game they faced RJ's previous team, and Gilas only won by a slim margin, so that makes me wonder, are they really ready already?

That is good news, but the bad news is still no Brownlee, so we might be seeing Gilas with an all-Filipino lineup.

Not really bad news either, at least we will see how good their teamwork is because with that setup, they really have to help each other score since there is no one superstar they can always rely on. I think that's also something we should build for the future, not depending too much on one player because once that player gets injured, our chances can easily be affected.

Good to see him winning even though this is just a tune up game, because this actually means Gilas is in good shape. The problem is Brownlee is not playing and also Coach Tim said that they don't have plans to seek for replacement and well it really seems that we would see Gilas play all Filipino this time.

Benny Boatwright supposed to play on Gilas, but the problem he's naturalization process got a problem, since this is been delayed due to politics and other trouble.

But since its not happening now. This is good test for locals if they can perform or play more better as a team now that Brownlee is out of their rotation.

[LogitechMouse]

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In this tune-up game they faced RJ's previous team, and Gilas only won by a slim margin, so that makes me wonder, are they really ready already?

That is good news, but the bad news is still no Brownlee, so we might be seeing Gilas with an all-Filipino lineup.

Not really bad news either, at least we will see how good their teamwork is because with that setup, they really have to help each other score since there is no one superstar they can always rely on. I think that's also something we should build for the future, not depending too much on one player because once that player gets injured, our chances can easily be affected.

I think I'm leaning towards the fact that Brownlee will spend the remaining time recovering from the strained hamstring injury that he got during the 3rd window of the league. Also, this is just a tune-up game, so if Brownlee isn't 100% healthy, it's just better to let him have the time to rest.

I don't see the SBP getting another naturalized player aside from Brownlee, and I don't see them going all-Filipino during the 4th window. Right now, there's no other naturalized player that they could get now aside from Brownlee, and yes we have different options, but there's one thing that Coach Tim Cone will specify and that's familiarity and chemistry. Let's just hope that Brownlee is 100% healthy when the 4th window happens which will be a week from now. With regards to not depending too much on one player, we've seen that in the 3rd window against the Tall Blacks when they shut down Brownlee completely, there are many locals who stepped up on the game, and even though we lost, it's only a few points.

I also watched the video, and I'm looking at the familiar faces TBH. I guess the players that we've seen in the previous windows will probably be the ones that will play on the 4th as well, with some changes especially now that Sotto is back.

[bisdak40]

This tune-up game will give us an idea who could possibly represent Gilas.

There's no final roster yet, but we're already seeing some familiar faces here, although still no Brownlee probably. In this tune-up game they faced RJ's previous team, and Gilas only won by a slim margin, so that makes me wonder, are they really ready already?

Thanks bro for linking the video of the Gilas tune-up, now we have a cleared picture of whose gonna play in the FIBA window against Jordan and Iran. I'm just a little bit confused though because in the recent news articles that they published (forgot the link) they said there that there are no Japan B-league and KBL players that will be joining Gilas but what i saw in the tune-up game was different as Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamaya and Kein Quiambao were there playing, only EJ Edu was missing so this means that we have a complete pieces similar to whose playing against New Zealand and Australia the last window, so this means that we have a great chance to win against Jordan and Iran.

But the biggest problem now is that Justine Brownlee has yet to show up for Gilas, he is still in the US as of this writing. We can't afford to loss him this time around as he is the most lethal offensive weapon that the Gilas needed.

edit:
So now it is official that Justine Brownlee won't play for Gilas this coming window as he is not healthy enough to contribute so Gilas will be force to play with all Filipino line-up.
 

[Mr. Magkaisa]

This tune-up game will give us an idea who could possibly represent Gilas.

There's no final roster yet, but we're already seeing some familiar faces here, although still no Brownlee probably. In this tune-up game they faced RJ's previous team, and Gilas only won by a slim margin, so that makes me wonder, are they really ready already?

That is good news, but the bad news is still no Brownlee, so we might be seeing Gilas with an all-Filipino lineup.

Not really bad news either, at least we will see how good their teamwork is because with that setup, they really have to help each other score since there is no one superstar they can always rely on. I think that's also something we should build for the future, not depending too much on one player because once that player gets injured, our chances can easily be affected.

gilas can make it with all Filipino blood I think, They need to make it. With Justine health condition now and let him play will make him more fragilet than ever.
Let the man heal first and get his condition back. We just need to wish that the Gilas boys will amke it a win for us to have big chance to get there.
But the question is, Do they have the play for the all Filipino? As we all know the offense is moelt focus with JB on the court.

[mirakal]

gilas can make it with all Filipino blood I think, They need to make it. With Justine health condition now and let him play will make him more fragilet than ever.
Let the man heal first and get his condition back. We just need to wish that the Gilas boys will amke it a win for us to have big chance to get there.
But the question is, Do they have the play for the all Filipino? As we all know the offense is moelt focus with JB on the court.

I remember last time before their games against New Zealand and Australia, they were winning their tune-up games even without Brownlee, so I think it's still possible for Gilas to win without him. Their opponents now are not as strong as Australia, and against New Zealand we've shown before that we can really compete with them.

[Questat]

gilas can make it with all Filipino blood I think, They need to make it. With Justine health condition now and let him play will make him more fragilet than ever.
Let the man heal first and get his condition back. We just need to wish that the Gilas boys will amke it a win for us to have big chance to get there.
But the question is, Do they have the play for the all Filipino? As we all know the offense is moelt focus with JB on the court.

I remember last time before their games against New Zealand and Australia, they were winning their tune-up games even without Brownlee, so I think it's still possible for Gilas to win without him. Their opponents now are not as strong as Australia, and against New Zealand we've shown before that we can really compete with them.

Brownlee played against New Zealand, but he didn't play against Australia, and they still didn't win a single game. Though the New Zealand game was really close, they almost won but overtime happened and then they lost.

They cannot afford to make that kind of mistake again, but even without Brownlee, which I assume might happen, I still believe Gilas can be very competitive. We have some of the best players in the PBA, and most importantly they have Kai Sotto, whom they really need as a true center.

[bhadz]

edit:
So now it is official that Justine Brownlee won't play for Gilas this coming window as he is not healthy enough to contribute so Gilas will be force to play with all Filipino line-up.
 

This is sad, he's been one of the players that the team has always been counting for. Although there were times that he didn't perform well and that's a normal for a guy who had made clutch wins for the team. There's Ange Kuame but I'm not sure if he's allowed to be in the team because I've heard the rumors that he's about to exit the country when he's not getting the opportunity that he seeks after being naturalized. Anyway, let's continue to support this full pinoy roster of Gilas.

[Russlenat]

Anyway, let's continue to support this full pinoy roster of Gilas.

We have no choice since we can't force an injured player to play, he will only become a liability. At least now we already know what to expect, we're not speculating anymore whether Brownlee will play or not.

Is this the first time Gilas will play without a naturalized player? I wonder how we will perform out there, this will really test how good the team is without relying on one.

[LogitechMouse]

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This is sad, he's been one of the players that the team has always been counting for. Although there were times that he didn't perform well and that's a normal for a guy who had made clutch wins for the team. There's Ange Kuame but I'm not sure if he's allowed to be in the team because I've heard the rumors that he's about to exit the country when he's not getting the opportunity that he seeks after being naturalized. Anyway, let's continue to support this full pinoy roster of Gilas.

There's a big chance that our Gilas team will start the 4th window without any naturalized player, and this will be the perfect time for our local players to show that they're capable in defeating other countries without any naturalized player in the team.

Looking at the roster, TBH they're many are capable to step up especially in offense. Juan GDL is one and we saw it against the Tall Blacks. Ramos is our most consistent scorer so no doubts about him. Tamayo and Quiambao are starting to develop as well and they'll become the starting forward I think, and we also have Sotto who's a double-double machine that can also intimidate opposing players from driving inside the paint. I'm leaning towards the fact that our team can still win, but that's as long as the offense isn't focused on a single player only. Distributed offense = victory.

As for Kouame, it's very unfortunate that he's exiting, but you can't blame the player especially if he doesn't get any opportunity to play for our team. At some point, he'll feel frustrated and disappointed as well. Let's just hope for the best for our team, and also hope that our players will not have a bad night in shooting.

[bhadz]

Anyway, let's continue to support this full pinoy roster of Gilas.

We have no choice since we can't force an injured player to play, he will only become a liability. At least now we already know what to expect, we're not speculating anymore whether Brownlee will play or not.

Is this the first time Gilas will play without a naturalized player? I wonder how we will perform out there, this will really test how good the team is without relying on one.

I can't remember if this is the first time but many times they didn't play with Kai. But saying that he's there, I guess we can have that hope for the team. It's sad that there's no JB on it because he's really a dependable player and we all know about the heart of a noypi in him.

There's a big chance that our Gilas team will start the 4th window without any naturalized player, and this will be the perfect time for our local players to show that they're capable in defeating other countries without any naturalized player in the team.

Looking at the roster, TBH they're many are capable to step up especially in offense. Juan GDL is one and we saw it against the Tall Blacks. Ramos is our most consistent scorer so no doubts about him. Tamayo and Quiambao are starting to develop as well and they'll become the starting forward I think, and we also have Sotto who's a double-double machine that can also intimidate opposing players from driving inside the paint. I'm leaning towards the fact that our team can still win, but that's as long as the offense isn't focused on a single player only. Distributed offense = victory.

I want this full pinoy roster to win and achieve a lot of things altogether. Because other fans are taunting them and don't believe on the capacity of what they can do. They have played so many international games and tournaments already and it's only a matter of time that they'll get more achievements and, this one is very important that's why I want them to succeed.

As for Kouame, it's very unfortunate that he's exiting, but you can't blame the player especially if he doesn't get any opportunity to play for our team. At some point, he'll feel frustrated and disappointed as well. Let's just hope for the best for our team, and also hope that our players will not have a bad night in shooting.

That's right, and he's not getting any younger so if it's true that the rumors mentioned he's planning to get out of the Philippines, I hope that he gets to a country where he's valued well.

[bisdak40]

Is this the first time Gilas will play without a naturalized player? I wonder how we will perform out there, this will really test how good the team is without relying on one.

When Gilas faced the Boomers on their last window, technically they were playing all-Filipino as Justine Brownlee did not play so that may be the first time that they played without a naturalized player on board but with or without Brownlee against the Australians we already knew the outcome that it would be an onslaught.

Have seen a post on my socmed that the FIBA Gilas squad were defeated by the Gilas Asiad squad with Robert Bolick leading the charge. I knew that this is only an exhibition match or a tune-up the Gilas squad bound for FIBA was supposed to be the stronger team as it is composed of the best possible players in the Philippines right now. Does this us an idea on how the Gilas vs Jordan/Iran would turn out?

[Mr. Magkaisa]

Is this the first time Gilas will play without a naturalized player? I wonder how we will perform out there, this will really test how good the team is without relying on one.

When Gilas faced the Boomers on their last window, technically they were playing all-Filipino as Justine Brownlee did not play so that may be the first time that they played without a naturalized player on board but with or without Brownlee against the Australians we already knew the outcome that it would be an onslaught.

Have seen a post on my socmed that the FIBA Gilas squad were defeated by the Gilas Asiad squad with Robert Bolick leading the charge. I knew that this is only an exhibition match or a tune-up the Gilas squad bound for FIBA was supposed to be the stronger team as it is composed of the best possible players in the Philippines right now. Does this us an idea on how the Gilas vs Jordan/Iran would turn out?

It was Bolick who made it possible, With the twin tower fajard and Kai on the floor the Gilas Asian defeated the Gilas Squad. Well, I cant still tell iof this is a serious game all the way.
This is just a tune-up game and we cant tell if the play was give all you got. At the end it  was a win but still...

Just an addition, I really thought Kai will not make it to the final roster as the giant is playing in the other league out   of the country.

[LogitechMouse]

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I want this full pinoy roster to win and achieve a lot of things altogether. Because other fans are taunting them and don't believe on the capacity of what they can do. They have played so many international games and tournaments already and it's only a matter of time that they'll get more achievements and, this one is very important that's why I want them to succeed.

Their main goal is to score a 2-0 at least to both Jordan and Iran in order to increase their chances in getting a spot for the FIBA World Cup. I want them to achieve, but I don't know. I still have doubts on my mind. Something like "they might not do pretty well against other countries". Well I guess that's because I haven't see our team fought against other countries without any naturalized player at all that's why I don't know how good our local players are against them.

I guess the best thing that we can do is to hope for the best for them. This is the most important games for our team, and we need to sweep the series against Iran and Jordan because with their current standings, a mere one loss could have a huge effect towards our Gilas team in terms of going to the World Cup.

As for Kouame, it's very unfortunate that he's exiting,
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That's right, and he's not getting any younger so if it's true that the rumors mentioned he's planning to get out of the Philippines, I hope that he gets to a country where he's valued well.

The guy needs buckos that's why it's a wise decision for him to play overseas.

He'll have an opportunity to make more money, at the same time he can still condition himself just in case our country needs his services and play in other games aside from the FIBA.

[bisdak40]

It was Bolick who made it possible, With the twin tower fajard and Kai on the floor the Gilas Asian defeated the Gilas Squad. Well, I cant still tell iof this is a serious game all the way.
This is just a tune-up game and we cant tell if the play was give all you got. At the end it  was a win but still...

You have a point, they might not gave there all in this tune up game but still it leaves an impression on the fans that were following the Gilas FIBA squad as they expect that even a not 100% game, still they would dominate or else those who are in the Gilas Asiad squad should be transferred to the FIBA squad as they showed better game in practice .

Just an addition, I really thought Kai will not make it to the final roster as the giant is playing in the other league out   of the country.

He said during the interview that it was off-season that is why he has the chance to play. I wonder though, where is he going to play? IN Japan B-league still?

[Botnake]

I wonder though, where is he going to play? IN Japan B-league still?

I think he has already ended his contract with Koshigaya Alphas, so he's now a free agent. He hasn't made any announcement yet about where he will play next, so playing with Gilas now could also give other teams a chance to see if he's already back in good form.

And since he doesn't have any commitment with another team yet, he can really give his best for Gilas.