Balkman says Gilas will do ‘pretty well’ in World Cup

MANILA, Philippines -- Former PBA import Renaldo Balkman was impressed with what he saw from the Philippine national team during their tune-up on Monday night at the Meralco Gym.

Balkman, now playing for Mighty Sports after a stint with San Miguel Beer in the PBA, was one of five imports who saw action for the squad that will represent the Philippines in the upcoming William Jones Cup.

He helped Mighty get off to a strong start against Gilas, and they led 23-13 after the first frame. But the national team battled back, and two clutch triples by Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez ensured that the game ended in an 85-all tie.

"For the most part, for us to be together for one week, we did pretty well. We do need some improvements, but that's why we're practicing every day, that's why we're here -to get better," said Balkman, who helped SMB reach the finals of the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

"We definitely need improving but again, we have been together for about a week," he added. "But we're gonna be okay. We just gotta stay mentally focused and go out there and do what we need to do."

Balkman, who has also played for Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League, was impressed with the effort shown by Gilas Pilipinas -- especially as they were playing without some of their key players, including naturalized center Andray Blatche.

"I mean they was a couple of men down, right? If I'm not mistaken," said Balkman. "But I mean, they did good. They always been a great team."

"Tonight when we played them, they was killing us in transition, and they definitely got shooters. But they're a great team," he added.

Balkman found himself repeatedly matched-up with his former San Miguel teammate, June Mar Fajardo, and the "Kraken" got the better of him several times by draining midrange jumpers.

"We both tried to accomplish something, you know and get better. It was great to go back at him, play against him tonight. He's like my brother, he always will be my brother," Balkman said of Fajardo.

"But anytime we step on the court, we gonna fight, we gonna go at each other, we gonna play hard every time we go out in the court," he added.

The frontline tandem of Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar were instrumental in bringing Gilas back in the game after their slow start. Aguilar came alive in the second period, while Fajardo's steady stream of jump shots kept Gilas afloat in the third frame.

When Blatche is added to line-up, Balkman expects Gilas to get even better.

"With the pieces that they're missing, like Andray, they gonna do pretty well in the World Cup. I wish them the best of luck," he said.