Iraq coach praises Gilas Pilipinas squad in FIBA Asia Cup

Despite losing to Gilas Pilipinas, Iraq head coach Veselin Matic praised the Philippine squad competing in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

The Philippines defeated Iraq, 66–57, in group stage play on Saturday to advance to the qualification to the quarterfinals.

Iraq had a good start and led 18–12 in the first period before the Philippines pulled away in the third period and eventually claimed the win. Iraq, meanwhile, was eliminated from contention.

Asked about Iraq’s performance, Matic said it was more about the Philippines being the more experienced team.

"I know for a long time, this team of the Philippines... all these players, they are superstars over there. And that is when the championship [experience is] coming, they are coming with a superstar.  I'm sure that the Philippines is improving [by] playing hard games, that will help them in the future," Matic said.

“For me, the Philippines is [a] top four or top six team here,” he added.

Moving forward, Matic said he wants the Iraq squad to improve by playing more international games, such as those in the Jones Cup.

Iraq is currently ranked 92nd in the world by FIBA.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News