The Philippines have dominated the men’s basketball event at the Southeast Asian Games, winning 18 of the 21 previous tournaments played, so were shocked when Indonesia snatched the title from their side last time out at Hanoi 2021. Prior to that, the Gilas Pilipinas had won 13 consecutive times in the 5-on-5 events.

Now, at Cambodia 2023, the Gilas are all out to get their SEA Games title back, even without star names such as Kai Sotto and Jordan Clarkson.

In the last edition one round robin phase and standings table decided the medals. This time around in the men’s event, two groups of preliminary round matches decide the four teams who progress from the pools to the medal knockout rounds, so it could be a Philippines v Indonesia shoot-out for basketball bragging rights in the region.

As one of three co-hosts for the upcoming FIBA World Cup taking place from 25 August to 10 September – alongside Indonesia and Japan – the Philippines squad will want to right the record in Phnom Penh. According to Clarkson, who plays for NBA side Utah Jazz: “In Philippines, basketball is the number one thing.”

So claiming back their title is a first step in a big year for the sport.

Schedule for Philippines men’s basketball team at SEA Games 2023

All local ICT times

Group A preliminary rounds

• **Tuesday 9 May – **13:00 – Philippines v Malaysia
• **Thursday 11 May – **17:00 – Philippines v Cambodia
• **Saturday 13 May – **13:00 – Singapore v Philippines

Knockout phase and medal rounds (if applicable)

• Monday 15 May – Semi-finals:
  • 13:00 – Men’s semi-final 1
  • 17:00 – Men’s semi-final 2
• Tuesday 16 May – Ranking matches
  • 09:00 – 7^th and 8^th placings
  • 11:00 – 5^th and 6^th placings
  • 13:00 – Bronze play-off
  • 15:00 – Final

Where to watch Philippines men’s basketball team at SEA Games 2023

The host broadcaster in Cambodia is Cambodia Sports Television (CSTV).

The Sea Games in Singapore is be available to watch on their dedicated mewatch channels.

In Thailand, SEA Games coverage is via the TV Pool 3HD, 5HD, 7HD, MCOT HD, NBT2HD, GMM25, PPTV HD and T Sports.

More information to follow when available.