The Asian quest for berths in the FIBA World Cup in Spain next year will commence today, as fifteen nations vie for the chance and opportunity to be the best basketball team in the region in the FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championships.
Held in the Philippines for the first time in over 40 years, the hosts are looking forward to replicate the feat of their 1973 brethren in winning the competition on their home floor. Winning the championship would also end a title drought that has taken place since 1985.
Bracketed in Group A, Gilas Pilipinas will open their campaign against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at 830pm, highlighting a seven-game opening salvo at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Head coach Chot Reyes believes that there is a strong possibility that the Philippines can make it to the semifinals, noting that the current format of the competition is easier compared to his previous experience in 2007, where they exited in the first round. He also maintains the belief that any team can beat any team in this competition.
In spite of the lack of height and time to properly jell that the other teams have, Chot believes that we have the skill, the competitive desire and the crowd support to tide them through. He also gave the indication that both Jayson Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo will be playing after both suffered ankle injuries during their friendly with Kazakhstan late last week.
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