EVEN with little preparation, the Philippine team is raring to open its Fiba Asia Champions Cup campaign on a winning note on Friday in Chenzhou, China.
The Philippine squad, playing under the banner of Chooks-to-Go, takes on BC Astana at 9:45 p.m.
The Filipinos will be reinforced by naturalized player prospect Isaiah Austin, who had to process his travel documents in Hong Kong early Wednesday, and Congolese import Rod Ebondo.
PBA players Carl Bryan Cruz, LA Revilla, as well as amateur standouts Kiefer Ravena, Raymar Jose, and Jeron Teng are also hell-bent on taking down the Kazakhstan club team.
"All out ako dito, kahit ano ipagawa sakin ni coach," said Cruz.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, who handles the squad, will need all hands on deck as the squad representing the Philippines will take on a side led by veteran Anton Ponomarev.
The Kazakhs also tapped the services of American Justin Carter in the day's closing match.
"I think given the preparation, getting to the quarterfinals is a very reasonable expectation. Hindi na masama kung umabot tayo dun," Reyes said.
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