Despite the hosts' flip-flopping on player eligibility rules and short preparation time, Gilas Pilipinas clinched gold in men's basketball at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. They defended their title with a gritty 70-64 win over host Thailand on December 19. Coach Norman Black called it his top achievement to date.
Norman Black, a veteran coach with accolades like a PBA Grand Slam and UAAP five-peat, led Gilas Pilipinas to the Philippines' 20th men's basketball gold at the SEA Games. The victory came amid challenges from the hosts' shifting eligibility rules, resulting in limited team preparation time.
In September, Black assembled a 12-man roster including Justin Brownlee, Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, Ange Kouame, Remy Martin, Jason Brickman, Dave Ildefonso, and Veejay Pre, based on a passport-only rule. However, the hosts later prohibited naturalized players under FIBA rules, sidelining Brownlee, Kouame, and others.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas quickly recruited replacements like Robert Bolick, Poy Erram, Dalph Panopio, Von Pessumal, Abu Tratter, Jamie Malonzo, Cedrick Manzano, and Justin Chua from the Philippine Cup. The final lineup featured Parks, Wright, Thirdy Ravena, Pre, and the newcomers.
"I went four months not knowing what the rules were," Black said. "I formed a team, then was told I couldn't use it." He avoided media comments to prevent further rule changes.
The team showed slow starts in games, including trailing at halftime against Thailand, but Black's adjustments sparked comebacks. "After what we've been through, adversity doesn't seem that hard," he added. "I'm glad it turned out for the best."
This marks Black's second SEA Games gold, following 2011 with Gilas Cadets.
