The Gilas Pilipinas Boys are currently participating in the 2024 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup in Amman, Jordan, where they aim to reach the quarterfinals by defeating Japan. Here’s a look back at their recent performances in the tournament:
2022 FIBA U18 Asian Championship – 6th place In 2022, the Gilas Boys finished 6th, led by Mason Amos, who averaged 21.2 points per game, second only to MVP Lee Juyeong of South Korea. The team won all three group games against Chinese Taipei, Qatar, and Syria but lost in the quarterfinals to Lebanon. Amos later represented the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, while teammates Earl Abadam and Jared Bahay also delivered strong performances.
2018 FIBA U18 Asian Championship – 4th place In 2018, the team, featuring AJ Edu and Kai Sotto, secured 4th place, their best finish in recent memory. They topped their group and beat Bahrain in the quarterfinals, but lost to Australia in the semis and China in the battle for 3rd. Edu and Sotto, now professional players in Japan, led the team’s charge, while Dave Ildefonso also made key contributions.
2016 FIBA U18 Asia Championship – 7th place The 2016 squad, led by Jolo Mendoza’s 18.6 points per game, finished 7th. After a tough group phase, they reached the quarterfinals but lost to South Korea. Several members, including Mendoza and Gian Mamuyac, now play in the PBA.
2014 FIBA U18 Asia Championship – 5th place The 2014 team finished 5th, highlighted by Kobe Paras’ 27-point performance in an overtime win against Japan. The team included future pros like Aaron Black, Santi Santillan, and Paul Desiderio.
Historically, the Philippines won the U18 title six times between 1970 and 1982, with their last podium finish in 1992.