Now that the Philippines knows its grouping in the coming FIBA World Cup, the next phase of its preparations is knowing and familiarizing itself with its opponents.
Gilas Pilipinas was bracketed in Group A with the Dominican Republic, Italy and Angola during the World Cup draw ceremonies on Saturday evening at the Araneta Coliseum.
This made Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes wary, since their three opponents will be equally dangerous, as proven in their previous encounters with their would-be Group A rivals.
“It is what it is. Good thing now is that we have clarity on whom we’re playing,” said Reyes as soon as he learned what is in store for Gilas.
The Philippines didn’t have any success against these teams in the recent past.
During the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Foshan, China, the team, which was then coached by Yeng Guiao and led by naturalized player Andray Blatche, was blown away by Italy, 62-108.
In the same tournament, the Filipinos succumbed to a heartbreaking 81-84 overtime loss to the Angolans.
Two years later in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia, an all-cadet Gilas Pilipinas team suffered a 27-point loss to the Dominican Republic, 67-94.
But observers believe that the Philippines can be competitive this time around since Gilas is preparing at its own homecourt. Plus, the team will either have a certified difference maker in NBA star Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz, or, many-time PBA Best Import and newly naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee, who has seamlessly fit into the team.
“The next phase is to look at the teams that we’re playing, and select the players, and hopefully with a team that can compete with the players that we know are going to be on the other team,” added Reyes.
Meanwhile, the balanced grouping of teams is expected to make the highly anticipated games of the World Cup 2023 very interesting to watch, according to FIBA president Hamane Niang.
“I leave it to the experts to the discuss the draw. Let them (teams) show their games on the floor, on what this draw has created. It’s a very balanced and interesting draw. In Manila, there will be 16 amazing teams to watch. And for the fans, there will be a lot waiting for them,” said Niang through an interpreter.
Niang said he looks forward to great games in the Philippines, just like when the country hosted it back in 1978, with Yugoslavia winning the crown with an thrilling 82-81 finals win in overtime.
Defending champion Spain, which defeated Argentina in the finals four years ago, was drawn in Group G, and will play in Jakarta with Brazil, Iran and Ivory Coast.
Argentina was knocked out of contention during the qualification stage’s second round, following their 75-79 loss to the Dominican Republic.
Group E in Okinawa has Germany, Finland, Australia and Japan in the mix, with each squad loaded with superstars.
USA (Group C) will be playing at the Mall of Asia Arena, with Greece, Jordan and New Zealand in what is now considered as the ‘Group of Death’.
Powerhouse Serbia got picked with Puerto Rico, Sudan and China in Group B, with competitions slated at the Araneta Coliseum.
Lithuania is bunched with Montenegro, Mexico, and Egypt in Group D, also at the MOA Arena.
Okinawa, Japan will be the venue for Group E and F clashes.
Slovenia, Venezuela, Germany and Cape Verde are in Group F.
France, Latvia and Lebanon have been placed in Group H, with their games also slated in Jakarta.
