Four years ago in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, the Philippines came to the tournament a virtual unknown as the national team played in the event for the first time in almost four decades.
This time, Gilas Pilipinas enters the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China as a ‘threat’ and a team capable of advancing to the next stage.
“Wala na yung ‘gulat’ factor natin, hindi kagaya noong 2014 World Cup sa Spain,” said veteran guard Paul Lee, who played for that Gilas Pilipinas batch.
“Sa tingin ko medyo nabulaga natin yung mga kalaban noon, hindi kasi naman familiar sa atin, hindi sila sanay sa natin,” added the 6-foot-0 playmaker.
Lee is one of five players from the Seville World Cup who was selected by national coach Yeng Guiao to reprise their roles in Foshan, China, the others being Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood and naturalized player Andray Blatche.
That year, the PH team, handled by coach Chot Reyes, narrowly lost to to world cage powers Croatia (81-78 in overtime), Greece (82-70), Argentina (85-81) and Puerto Rico (77-73).
The lone win was against Senegal in OT, 81-79. (Waylon Galvez)
