CHICAGO — Although ranked two notches below Gilas Pilipinas at No. 41, the Jordan national team known as the Falcons won’t be an easy catch.
Leading the Jordanians on Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena is veteran guard Freddy Ibrahim and Ahmad Al-Dwairi, a 6-foot-11. 267-pound center.
READ Who should take make-or-break shot for Gilas with Brownlee out?
Make no mistake, though, much of Jordan’s offense will spew from a scoring volcano who once played in the NBA.
Jalen Harris.
The 6-foot-2 American will be a challenge to contain but Gilas is ready for Harris after watching film on Thursday.
ANSWERING THE CALL.
“I usually guard the scorer on the other team so especially against Jordan that’s a big task for me,” Dwight Ramos told me via text message.
Chasing around Harris, who tormented Syria for 42 points last year, could expend a lot of energy and affect Dwight’s offense.
Maybe, but he”ll get his points. If not, he’ll die trying.
“I just play. Sometimes I score and some nights it’s harder.”
Justin Brownlee will be missed but Ramos has faith in coach Tim Cone’s triangle.
SHARP OFFENSE.
“I think we will have better ball movement this time around and it should be easier to score,” Ramos said.
Most importantly, Gilas has Kai Sotto.
“He completes the triangle. He is easy to pass to and he is good at passing from the post areas, and of course, his rebounding and post protection.”
Fasten your seatbelts, Gilas fans. This could be one heck of a ride.
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