Gilas needs strong start – Jong
KUALA LUMPUR – Jong Uichico was not in his usual spot in the mess hall Thursday, eve of their semifinal match with either Singapore or Vietnam later in the 29th Southeast Asian Games.
Uichico said he slept at 4 a.m. after meeting the coaching staff at 1 a.m. while viewing a video of Singapore’s latest games.
At this stage of the tournament, the worst thing that can happen is to look beyond Singapore or Vietnam, according to Uichico who was at the hotel lobby at 11 a.m.
“We’re taking both Singapore and Vietnam seriously,” said the veteran coach who met the players in the viewing room before lunch.
The Nationals’ semis opponents are playing each other at press time.
Uichico said the team’s slow start is a concern.
On Wednesday, the Nationals trailed in the early goings against Malaysia before stepping on the gas for a 98-66 victory.
Battling in the other semifinal are Thailand and Indonesia.
Uichico thought he did a good job shuffling his players.
Kobe Paras, the team’s youngest member at 19, was given his time on the court and actually led scoring against lowly Myanmar.
“That boy has a gift,” said Uichico. “He’s trying his best to play under the system.”
Uichico said he hopes that when Paras returns to the United States, he gets to play so he can be coached. “I hope he’ll be part of the team rotation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Perlas Pilipinas all but bid its chances of winning the gold medal goodbye after dropping a heartbreaking 60-56 loss to host Malaysia in yesterday's women's basketball match.
Forced to play 11 hours after a dramatic 69-67 comeback victory over Thailand, Perlas rallied from another double-digit deficit to tie the game at 54-all nearing the final two-minute mark, only to succumb to crucial turnovers late that allowed the Malaysians to stay unbeaten after four games.
Perlas dropped to 3-2 with one game left against Vietnam today. Malaysia is favored to clinch the gold against Myanmar, the same team the Philippines beat by 90 points earlier this week. (With reports from Jonas Terrado)