Gilas Pilipinas Slips to 37th in FIBA World Rankings, Still 7th in Asia

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by Raymund Tamayo

Dwight Ramos (24) and the rest of the Gilas Pilipinas squad during the recent FIBA Asia Cup.
Dwight Ramos (24) and the rest of the Gilas Pilipinas squad during the recent FIBA Asia Cup. Photo: FIBA.

The latest FIBA World Ranking Men is out, and it’s not the news Pinoy hoops fans were hoping for. Gilas Pilipinas dropped three spots, settling at No. 37 in the world with 329.9 points after all continental tournaments wrapped up. 

The silver lining? The Philippines remains 7th in Asia, but the message is clear: there’s plenty of work to be done.

The slide didn’t come as a shock to most observers. Gilas had a rocky run in international play this year, starting with tough back-to-back defeats against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. And while Coach Tim Cone and his crew managed to claw their way back into the Asia Cup quarterfinals in Jeddah last August, the path was anything but smooth.

The team steadied itself with a crucial win over Iraq, then delighted the home crowd by ousting host nation Saudi Arabia to reach the last eight. But the celebration was short-lived as familiar nemesis Australia ended the country’s run. The Boomers didn’t just stop there — they marched all the way to their third straight Asia Cup title, edging China in a heart-stopping 90–89 final. That triumph also lifted Australia to No. 6 in the world, surpassing Spain in the rankings.

At the very top, the United States held firm at No. 1 despite a bronze finish in the AmeriCup 2025. Reigning World Cup kings Germany surged to No. 2 following their EuroBasket conquest, while Serbia slid to third after a surprise early exit. Rounding out the Top 5 are France and Canada, the latter inching closer to perennial heavyweights after a strong continental campaign.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone. Photo: FIBA.

For Gilas, staying inside Asia’s Top 8 is important, but the bigger picture looms. The World Cup 2027 Qualifiers are just around the corner, and the latest rankings update — released last September 15 — serves as both a warning and a challenge. If the Philippines wants to climb back into the global conversation, consistency and depth will be the key.

Fans know the talent is there. The question is whether Gilas can finally turn potential into sustained success on the world stage.