Gilas Youth makes FIBA U17 World Cup after beating Japan

Two months ago, Kiefer Alas was asked what he thought about this iteration of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth basketball team. His response was straightforward: “Pang World Cup ‘tong team na ‘to.”

On Friday in Doha Qatar, (early Saturday morning in Manila), Alas put on an all-world level performance to prove that point and carry the Philippines to the FIBA U17 World Cup by grinding out a 64–59 win over Japan in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2023 quarterfinals.

Alas dropped 29 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and made two crucial plays late as the young Gilas made the youth world championship stage in the U17 category for the first time since the 2018 edition.

The Philippines trailed by double-digits in the first half, but rallied back behind a 21–10 third quarter.

In the final quarter, Alas made six straight points which gave his squad a 56–51 lead with under six minutes to go.

Japan then threatened with no more than two minutes to play, as Ginga Sembo made a layup that pulled the young Akatsuki Five within one, 60–59.

Alas, however, executed well under pressure, assisting Bonn Ervin Daja twice as the latter hit big baskets late to seal the monumental victory.

Joaquin Ludovice chipped in 11 points while Kurt Velasquez added 10.

The Philippines will next face Australia in the semifinals, while China and New Zealand engage in the other bracket.

All four nations get to represent Asia in next year’s tournament hosted by Turkey.

FIBA.basketball photo