By Jerome Lagunzad
Batang Gilas embarked on a long and taxing odyssey to Argentina last night armed with high hopes that the Nationals can come up with a better showing in their return trip to the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup that gets going later this month.
Aboard the Emirates Flight EK 247, the Batang Gilas contingent, led by head coach Mike Oliver and ace big man Kai Zachary Sotto, left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at 8:25 p.m. and traveled for eight hours to reach the Dubai International Airport for a three-hour layover.
After a brief respite, the Nationals will then brace themselves for an 18-hour, non-stop trip before landing in the Ministro Pistarini International Airport in the Argentinian capital city of Buenos Aires at around 8 p.m. on Friday (7 a.m. on Saturday, Manila time).
“Since we now have enough talent and the size that we lacked before, I really believe we can do better this time,” said Oliver.
The Nationals will then travel to Rosario, a vast city located in central Argentina, and will open their title campaign against the Croatians on June 30. The French, led by top NBA prospect Killian Hayes, will test their mettle the following day before wrapping up their preliminary play against the hosts on July 3.
Tapped to join the 16-strong Batang Gilas pool are Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, Bismarck Lina, Migs Pascual, Raven Cortez, Forthsky Padrigao, RC Calimag, Terrence Fortea, Joshua Lazaro, Geo Chiu, Yukien Andrada, Mac Guadana, Jerick Bautista, King Balaga and Rafael Go.
