Members of Gilas Pilipinas will finally get a feel of how difficult the task at hand as they leave for Foshan, China ahead of Saturday’s FIBA World Cup opener against Italy.
The Nationals are set to leave at 8 a.m. via a China Southern Airlines flight bound for Guangzhou before taking a one-hour bus ride to Foshan where all of their Group D matches are going to be played.
From there, coach Yeng Guiao and the team will head to the Foshan International Sports and Center to continue their preparation for the crucial tiff against Italians where a win could enhance the Philippines’ chances of making the second round.
Gilas will also have a FIBA-scheduled practice 6:30 p.m. on the eve of the opening match before Guiao and team captain Gabe Norwood address the media two hours later.
“We’re hoping we can hit 100 percent by Saturday,” Guiao said. “We’re trying to schedule our peak by that time. Everything we do now is geared toward achieving that peak on Saturday.”
Gilas held its final practice at the Meralco Gym Wednesday afternoon, spending the first hour watching game tape of Italy’s matches before heading to the court to practice some offensive and defensive sets.
Long-time Gilas utility guy Bong Tulabot spent the whole session fixing the national team’s equipment which included their suitcases and jerseys that will be worn for the World Cup.
Beau Belga, who was cut from the 12-man roster, still participated Wednesday’s practice but won’t be joining the team in China in order to prepare himself for Rain or Shine’s campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Willing pang tumulong (I’m still willing to help the team),” Belga said. “Tingin ko may maitutulong pa ako sa kanila before they leave.
Poy Erram and Matthew Wright won’t be making the trip too as they begin process of their recovery from their respective ankle injuries.
But Marcio Lassiter is expected to be in Foshan to support the team along with his family.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and the league’s Board of Governors are also scheduled to watch Gilas’ World Cup matches.
President Rodrigo Duterte is slated to watch the match against Italy and arrangements are being made for the chief executive to meet the team.