WHEN Gilas Pilipinas faces Poland on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) in their final friendly match before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, they will be battling an NBA player on the other side.
Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs, born to a Polish mother, is set to make his debut with Poland in their FIBA OQT stint in Valencia, Spain.
Sochan already played for Poland in their win in a preparation game against New Zealand, 88-59, a few days ago where he finished with seven points, two rebounds, and four assists in 18 minutes of time.
Aside from Sochan, Mateusz Ponitka is another player to watch when the Polish face off with the Filipinos in Sosnowiec on Saturday, 6 p.m. (Sunday, 12 midnight Philippine time).
Ponitka, who plays for Partizan Belgrade in the Serbia league, led Poland to its first semifinal appearance in 51 years in the FIBA Eurobasket 2022 where he had 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists.
He also scored 29 points in Poland’s win over New Zealand.
Gilas’ last tune-up before FIBA OQT
Gilas will play its final tune-up game before leaving for Riga, Latvia for the FIBA OQT.
The Philippines made it a competitive contest in their tune-up game against Turkey, but still ended up on the losing side, 84-73.
Justin Brownlee had 21 points, while June Mar Fajardo had 17 points and 11 rebounds against Turkey.
“While others may see it as a satisfying first game, our team mindset is almost is not enough. We only have one shot to make it to the Olympics and we cannot be satisfied with almost winning,” said Gilas team manager Richard Del Rosario.
The Filipinos enter the Poland game with a 1-1 record in their preparation tune-ups after they won over club team Taiwan Mustangs, 74-64, last Monday.
SBP formally announces 11-strong Gilas
Meanwhile, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas made it official on Friday that Gilas will be playing with 11 men for the FIBA OQT.
Aside from Brownlee and Fajardo, on the final lineup are Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Oftana, Kevin Quiambao, and Mason Amos.
Scottie Thompson was not included, as he is still dealing with a bulging disc.
Aguilar and Amos, initially part of Gilas as reserves, were also on the official roster with Jamie Malonzo and AJ Edu also injured.
Gilas coach Tim Cone has described the team as '11-strong' even with injuries to players.
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