Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos banner Gilas Pilipinas in February window opener vs India

The Gilas Pilipinas national team may have already qualified to the 2023 FIBA World Cup but it is not taking any opponent lightly, including an Indian squad that recently fell to New Zealand in a blowout fashion.

India was dealt a huge loss by the world no. 27 New Zealand on the opening day of the February window at the Araneta Coliseum, 101-46, to go 0-1 early in Group A on Thursday.

In the loss, only Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon registered a double-digit mark as he scored 10 points.

Still, returning Gilas head coach Chot Reyes said his wards should still be wary of the Indians when they square off on Friday for the host country's first assignment in the qualifiers at 6 p.m.

"Over the years, right before our eyes, we've seen India develop and grow into a legitimate basketball competitor. Their skills have tremendously improved," said Reyes.

"We have to be completely ready for a very tough game against India. They're a tall team, they're well-coached, and they've been together for a long time."

Bannering world no. 80 India is 6-foot-10 Princepal Singh, who had played alongside and opposite of Filipino wunderkind Kai Sotto. They suited up together for the NBA G League Ignite team but were rivals in the NBL.

India is also being mentored by Serbian tactician Veselin Matic who had previous coaching stints in Poland, Iran, Libya, Lebanon, and Syria.

Compared to the Philippines, India is also much taller and younger. Their average height is 6-foot-6 with an average age of 23.

Also keeping Reyes concerned is the chemistry of India's core, which includes veterans such as Amritpal Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi, who have been together for some time now, competing in various international competitions as a group.

"They've been together for a decade and you can imagine the kind of chemistry and game familiarity they've built with each other so that alone is a cause for us to make sure that we'll make our best to be able to compete against them."

Gilas will be banking on a mix of veterans and youngsters in the match with the returning Thirdy Ravena, alongisde fellow B.League imports Dwight Ramos and Juan Gomez de Liaño, leading the way.

12-man lineup vs India is set. Let's go, Gilas! ????????

Via SBP Website » https://t.co/G38ZPEPO4M#FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/nIyeVBaICI

— SBP (@officialSBPinc) February 25, 2022

Also listed on the 12-man lineup are PBA star Robert Bolick of NorthPort and the TNT core of Poy Erram, Troy Rosario, Kib Montalbo, RR Pogoy, and Kelly Williams. Tzaddy Rangel, Will Navarro, and Ange Kouame also made it to the cut.

—JMB, GMA News