Tired but upbeat: Team Phl begins short prep for Qatar
A weary Gilas Pilipinas team landed in Manila amid typhoon Ompong's severe battering of Northern Luzon Saturday morning.
Assistant coach Ryan Gregorio said the players, however, remain upbeat and are determined to get bounce back despite losing their last two FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers to drop to 4-3 overall.
"General mood is of course upbeat and ready to get back on the winning track," Gregorio, who serves as special assistant to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, said on Saturday.
"However, due to exhaustion brought about by the travel itinerary, the long flight back from Iran, the flight delay in Dubai, the time difference, most of the players and even the coaching staff are trying to get some rest before going to practice later," he added.
After a tough 81-73 loss to Asian powerhouse Iran Thursday evening, Gilas took the next available flight back to Manila after leaving Tehran. But the national team's flight was delayed for 12 hours.
Gregorio said the entire Gilas contingent stayed at Copthorne Airport Hotel, just five minutes away from the airport while waiting for its adjusted flight back to the country on Friday evening.
The national team managed to land safely in Manila early Saturday morning amid heavy rains and strong winds brought by the typhoon.
Gilas is currently staying at the Novotel Hotel just beside SmartAraneta Coliseum. But after a brief rest, Gilas will resume its preparation versus Qatar with a 3 p.m. viewing on Saturday at the Victoria Sports along EDSAbefore hitting the court at 5 p.m.
The team's Sunday practice will be held at the Meralco gym at 4 p.m. where coach Yeng Guiao is expected to reveal the final 12-man lineup that will go up against the visiting team.
Gregorio added that players and coaches alike have learned to embrace the reality of playing under this new FIBA tournament format.
"These are the realities in representing the national team. You may be tired but you still have to go full speed," stressed the 46-year-old Gregorio.
"At some point, the enjoyment of representing the country gives all of us the necessary strength to keep on going and continuously fight for flag and country. No excuses," he added. —