Gilas opens Asia Cup campaign vs Lebanon

Game today 8 p.m. (9 p.m. Manila time) – Lebanon vs Philippines

Despite its short buildup time and injury woes, Gilas Pilipinas is ready for the daunting task of challenging the top guns in the FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta.

And right off the bat, the youthful Nationals face Lebanon, a squad largely considered a serious contender, in a major test in the Group D tipoff tonight at the Istora Senayan.

“They’re raring to go and we hope to be able to have a good game against Lebanon,” Gilas coach Chot Reyes said on CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk ahead of the 8 p.m. encounter (9 p.m. Manila time).

“Alam naman natin ang mga players natin, every time we put on the national jersey, we’re always going to go all out and that’s the approach that we have here in Jakarta,” he also said.

Gilas, a young crew beefed up by Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks and Poy Erram, will have its hands full against the Cedars, whom Reyes described as “playing the best I’ve seen in years.”

Heady 6-foot-4 point guard Wael Arakji and 6-foot-9 naturalized player Jonathan Arledge will lead Lebanon.

Reyes braces for a physical game against the Cedars, who love to trap and pressure the ball hard.

“We have to prevent their guards from initiating because their entire offense initiates from the guards. Big emphasis for us is to be able to handle, attack and score against their pressure defense because they have three, four guards who have size and can also pressure,” he said.

Gilas was assured of a full roster in the tourney as reserve Rhenz Abando’s entry as the 12th man vice injured Dwight Ramos (shin splints) was approved during Monday’s technical meeting.

The team had a scare as RJ Abarrientos twisted his ankle in a recent practice but Reyes said from the looks of it, the former FEU guard “might still be able to play.”

After Lebanon, Gilas is set for battles versus India and New Zealand, two old rivals from the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

Reyes said the goal is to get to the Top 8 while continuing the overall preparations for the 2023 World Cup and form the best possible team for the global showpiece on home soil.