TOUGH DECISION
Up to now, me and my coaching staff are having a hard time on the final 12
The coming pair of friendly games against Australia’s Adelaide 36ers will help Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao in completing the final roster for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2019 later this month in China.
Exactly ten days from now, the Filipino dribblers begin their World Cup in a very crucial match against Italy — the game that could determine their fate in the 32-nation meet.
Guiao admitted that the coaching staff is having a hard time in determining on who will represent the country in the World Cup and up to know, only six have secured their spots in the squad.
“Up to now, me and my coaching staff are having a hard time on the final 12,” Guiao said during the send-off event for the national team organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) yesterday.
“We will make the final announcement right after our second game with the Adelaide 36ers,” the NLEX mentor added.
In a previous interview, Guiao said naturalized player Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario and RR Pogoy are the shoo-ins for his final 12. The six remaining slots are open plus two reserves.
The 36ers, a five-time champion in the National Basketball League, are scheduled to meet Gilas Pilipinas this Friday and Sunday in a closed-door tune-up fixture at the Meralco gym.
They also attended the send-off led by their head coach Joey Wright, who once suited up for Presto in the Philippine Basketball Association.
“We look forward to helping you guys prepare. That’s what we’re here for,” said Wright, whose wards are also using the tune-ups for their coming campaign in the NBL.
Guiao’s squad is coming off a 10-day training camp in Spain where they scored victories over Ivory Coast and Congo. Fajardo, Pogoy and Rosario missed that trip because of their commitments with their respective ballclubs during the Commissioner’s Cup finals.
But the trio finally joined the training last Tuesday although Poy Erram and Matthew Wright suffered minor injuries, making them questionable for the 36ers friendlies.
“We anticipate good game against the Adelaide 36ers. They play quality basketball, world-class basketball. This will be a big help to our preparations,” said Guiao, adding that the tune-ups are also timely to restore friendship between Australia and Philippines in basketball tarnished by the infamous brawl in Philippine Arena last year.
“We want to erase the memories of the past and replace them with good memories. Renew our friendship and goodwill with Australian basketball,” he added.
Gilas Pilipinas is in Group D along with powerhouse Serbia, Italy and Angola. The Filipinos need two victories to advance to the next stage in Wuhan. “We know how tough the group we’re in. But we will go to China knowing that we will give our best and prepare the best way we know. We will represent the Philippines the best way we can,” Guiao said.
SBP president Al Panlilio and chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan led the send-off event.
We anticipate good game against the Adelaide 36ers. They play quality basketball, world-class basketball.