See, the problem is that
2027 is NOT guaranteed. Why?:
- Hosting it was the only reason Gilas made it last year. Under normal circumstances, I can think of at least 10 Asian countries that are just as capable of hosting the World Cup if they were willing to spend for it... that's just in Asia, what about the other continents? Also, what if Korea didn't back out while all the hosts had to earn their spot? Korea is miles better than Saudi, India, Bahrain, and Kazakhstan so it's between us, them, Jordan, Iran, and Japan that could have gotten knocked out. MVP's money was the only reason why Gilas made the World Cup.
- If you even remember 2019... Yeng Guiao's team of Chot's leftovers from the brawl (plus a few more) had to beat Kazakhstan in Astana to beat Lebanon (who had a harder final group with NZ, Korea, Jordan, and China) for the final Asian slot, how they actually fared was indicative of their actual quality regardless of how Guiao feels about qualifying. Last place was in fact a fair result based on results alone.
- Even during 2014 when FIBA went by just the Continental Cups (ABC Championship/FIBA Asia Cup), Lebanon was supposed to host it in 2013 if not for the Arab Spring before it went to Manila and it took a miracle/curse break/chamba/the team suddenly forgetting how to play and just relied on making tough contested baskets against Korea (who were actually grouped with Iran and China in the prelims) to make it back to the World Cup since 1978.... when the team went 0-5.
Hasn't anyone learned from the last 2 cycles? When you say "
preparations for 2027", they won't even make to 2027 if they lose World Cup Qualifying games in 2025 and not get past the first round where there won't be an odd team out like Hong Kong next month. Gilas could be drawn with either Australia/New Zealand, Japan/China, and Korea/Taipei/a much better Indonesia... let's say they only finish 3rd and barely make it to the second round... there should only be 4 countries in the West region between 2026 and the last window in 2027 capable of beating Gilas... if there would be more, it becomes that much harder.
The idea has always been produce results because of/in spite of the lack of preparation. Gilas isn't the only country with prep and player availability issues. Even changing the coach should be inconsequential if the selection of players and how they want to play isn't too extremely far off.
FIBA Asia Qualifiers - steal the home game against New Zealand, let the OFW's feed the energy in the away games. avoid 3rd place at all costs.
FIBA OQT - stealing a game in the group and being in a dogfight against Brazil/Montenegro should be the goal.
FIBA Asia - aim for the semis. top 4 in Asia means being capable of beating teams away from home in World Cup Qualifying
World Cup Qualifiers 1st Round - win all home games, steal at least one away game. 4W 2L is a safe bet.
SEA Games - infuse the team with FIBA-ineligible Fil-Ams and hopefully JB's replacement (if not Kouame) and make it another gold or bust situation
World Cup Qualifiers 2nd round - anything less than 3 wins is disastrous. For sure, there will be OFW's in the Middle East in those tough away games
Asian Games - bring the same people from the SEA Games and aim for the gold medal game.
World Cup - advance to the next round and be the best finishing Asian team.
Olympics - don't get blown out by 30.