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    Chot says 'it’s going to take a village' to stop KAT, Dominicans

    'That’s not a one-man team,' says Gilas mentor
    Aug 24, 2023
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    PHOTO: fiba.basketball / spin.ph

    GILAS Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said it would take a collective effort to contain Karl-Anthony Towns in their first contest against the Dominican Republic on Friday to open the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup at the Philippine Arena.

    Reyes said it would be almost impossible to stop the Minnesota Timberwolves star, who not only possesses the height but also the offensive skills of all position players on the court.

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    “I don’t think it’s physically possible for any single person on our team and perhaps the entire World Cup to start Karl-Anthony Towns one-on-one,” said Reyes on Thursday during the pre-match press conference.

    Towns joined the Dominican Republic, a team that he initially represented in 2012, for the World Cup, formally making the announcement last July and taking part in the team’s training camp a few weeks ago.

    karl anthony towns arrival airport dominican republic world cup

    Reyes said it was no longer a surprise for the team that Towns will play for Dominican Republic after Gilas’ opponents were determined during the official draw.

    But Reyes also emphasized that Towns won’t just be focal point of Gilas Pilipinas’ defense.

    “It’s going to take a village to beat them, and to stop him, and Dominican Republic. Because that’s not a one-man team that we will be playing tomorrow,” said Reyes.

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      While it will have to be a collective effort to contain Towns, the role of Gilas’ big men Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo, team captain Japeth Aguilar, and AJ Edu will be crucial.

      “The initial job is going to fall on the frontline. That’s how important they are going to be,” said Reyes.

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      PHOTO: fiba.basketball / spin.ph
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