AFTER getting experience playing in a European basketball environment, Gilas Pilipinas will also get exposed to the Latin American style of play during their continuous build-up for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Gilas Pilipinas vs Mexico tune-up
Head coach Chot Reyes said Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled to play against Mexico in a tune-up match on August 21 in the Philippines, four days before they open their World Cup campaign against Dominican Republic.
The Mexico game was set particularly to get accustomed to the Latin brand of basketball that they expect to see when they go up against Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Philippine Arena.
“We already have a confirmed friendly against Mexico dito sa atin Pilipinas,” said Reyes in an interview with SEAG Network. “That should take the place of Latin American style of play na hinahanap natin to prepare us for Dominican Republic.”
Reyes said Gilas is still arranging for one more tune-up against another World Cup-bound team Puerto Rico during their trip to China where they will train and play more matches.
“We have a request to play Puerto Rico kasi mag-stay tayo a few more days in China because Puerto Rico will be there in another pocket tournament. We have a request to play them,” said Reyes.
Gilas Pilipinas already went to Estonia and Lithuania to gain exposure playing against European teams. They will also go to China in the first week of August where one of the tune-up matches will be against Senegal.
The Nationals are also slated to take on Angola on August 27 and Italy on August 29 during Group A play at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
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