IT’S mission accomplished for Batang Gilas.
Coach Michael Oliver said this after the Philippine national junior basketball team returned home from their successful campaign in the Fiba Under-16 Asian Championship in Foshan, China.
“We are happy that we have accomplished our goal,” said Oliver.
For now, Batang Gilas will be a man short when they prepare for another challenging campaign ahead in the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in June in Argentina as RC Calimag is recovering from an injury.
The Kai Sotto-led quintet found themselves in a tough group in the coming World Cup.
The 31st-ranked `hilippines is in Group D, along with 7th-ranked Argentina, 8th-ranked Croatia and 9th ranked France.
The World Cup will be from June 30 to July 8 in Rosario and Santa Fe, Argentina.
But whatever happens to Batang Gilas in the group stage, they are already seeded in the Round of 16.
For now, the condition of the 6’2 ½ Calimag, the son of retired PBA player Ricky Calimag, is among their main concern.
Calimag suffered from a hyperextended knee injury during their quarterfinal game with Japan and will miss some of the practices.
“He will have his knee checked so that we will know the damage and when he can start practicing,” said Oliver.
According to family members, Calimag missed Tuesday’s homecoming celebrations after he had his knee checked by sports medicine specialist Dr. Raul Canlas.
According the bracket released by FIBA, listed in Group A are Australia, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and the Dominican Republic.
Included in Group B areMali, China, the United States, and Serbia.
In Group C are Canada, New Zealand, Egypt, and Montenegro.