This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Gilas Pilipinas goes up against four former NBA players as it shoots for a giant upset against two-time defending champion Australian in the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines – One-third of the formidable Australia team that stands in Gilas Pilipinas’ way in the FIBA Asia Cup have NBA experience.

The Filipinos face four former NBA players as they shoot for a giant upset against the two-time defending champion Aussies when they meet in the quarterfinals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, August 13.

Xavier Cooks, Jack White, Will Magnay, and Jack McVeigh all played in the NBA and they are expected to pose problems for the Philippines after playing key roles in the Boomers’ dominant run in the group stage.

Among the four, White had the longest NBA stint as he saw action for two seasons with the Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 6-foot-6 White, who averages 5.0 points and 7.7 rebounds in this Asia Cup, won an NBA championship with the Nuggets in 2022-23 and suited up for the Grizzlies for a few games in 2023-24.

Meanwhile, Magnay, Cooks, and McVeigh each spent a season in the NBA.

Cooks played 10 games for the Washington Wizards in 2022-23, McVeigh saw action for nine games for the Houston Rockets in 2024-25, while Magnay appeared in one game for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020-21.

While their NBA careers were short-lived, McVeigh (13.7 points), Cooks (7.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 blocks), and Magnay (7.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks) have been serviceable in the Asia Cup.

Aside from the four former NBA players, the Philippines also has to think about Jaylin Galloway and Reyne Smith.

Galloway, who played for the Wisconsin Herd, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, leads the Boomers in scoring with 18.0 points, while Smith averages 13.3 points.

Australia has not lost in Asia Cup history and it is bent on keeping its unbeaten record intact against the Philippines. – Rappler.com