Gilas Pilipinas is entering the second round of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a four-game losing skid.
Still, that didn’t stop RJ Abarrientos from having a positive outlook heading into the Philippines’ homestand against Jordan on Friday and Iran on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
‘We now have more chemistry as a team,’ said Abarrientos. ‘That’s the most important thing. Our window [games] against New Zealand and Australia were a big help.’
‘We’re still very happy to be together again now and practice for a few more days.’
In the previous third window, Gilas dropped a 106-102 heartbreaker against New Zealand in double overtime in Auckland before getting blown out by undefeated Australia, 92-49, in Perth.
While Abarrientos was rendered scoreless against the Boomers, his playmaking was crucial against the Tall Blacks as he tallied 10 assists with six points and five rebounds.
Abarrientos hopes to regain his form and snap out of his shooting slump this time, especially with Gilas missing the services of Justin Brownlee.