GILAS Pilipinas wasted no time in its preparation for the FIBA World Cup after hosting two practice sessions on the eve of its tune-up match against Congo in Guadalajara, Spain.
Coach Yeng Guiao’s 11-man squad used the day after an 18-hour trip from Manila to get familiarized with each with the schemes that will be implemented for the World Cup set Aug. 31 in Foshan, China.
The national cagers were due to play Congo at presstime in the first of two scrimmages in the city located about 60 kilometers from the Spanish capital of Madrid.
Gilas was to face Ivory Coast on Wednesday night (early Thursday Manila time) before taking a 2 1/2-hour train bound for Malaga to compete in a pocket tournament.
“There is a different flavor in the international game,” Guiao told ESPN5. “Even if a lot of these guys have played international games before, it’s important that you are immersed in it.”
The scrimmages hold important roles in Gilas’ quest to come into the World Cup with a fighting chance of making the second round.
Gilas is bracketed in Group D along with title contender Serbia, Italy and Angola. (JONAS TERRADO)
