By REYNALDO MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas eyes redemption when it takes on Saudi Arabia to wrap up the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers at home at the Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, Aug. 29.
In an effort to erase the bitter memories of the tough 84-81 loss to FIBA Asia Cup silver medalist Lebanon three days ago, Gilas looks to pick up its first win in the second round of the qualifiers against a dangerous Arab squad in the 7 p.m. encounter.
All eyes will be on NBA star Jordan Clarkson who will make his first game at home ever since he started representing the country at international level in 2018 during the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Clarkson displayed a legitimate NBA level talent in his return to the national team when he dropped 27 points, seven assists and six rebounds against Lebanon.
Despite roughly five days of full practice under their belts, encouraging signs were also seen as the NBA veteran seemed to have gelled well with the likes of Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos who he played beautiful music together during some stretches in the game.
Ramos finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Sotto held his own with 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks on top of a couple of highlight dunks most of which coming from the assists passes from Clarkson.
The three are expected to lead the Gilas 12 which will be announced the night before the game. In an interview with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director and spokesperson Sonny Barrios, he revealed that the final roster doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the same team that played against Lebanon.
Barrios said, it will be upon the discretion of Gilas head coach Chot Reyes along with his deputies Jong Uichico and Tim Cone, on who will be fielded for the Saudi game which can include players outside from the 13-man pool that traveled to Lebanon.
“They can get from 24. Kung gugustuhin ng coaching staff,” said Barrios during the unveiling of the Tissot clock countdown at the Mall of Asia Music Hall on Saturday, Aug. 28.
That could mean players like Raymond Almazan, Francis Lopez, Kevin Alas and even Roosevelt Adams who attended their practices at the Meralco Gym last week can be called up.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia definitely showed they are no pushovers when it only lost by 15 points against New Zealand, 80-65. In comparison, Gilas’ losses to New Zealand had been all blowouts, losing by 25 in their first meeting and by 46 in their most recent clash.
Khalid M Abdel Gabar is expected to give Gilas a challenge on the defensive end after finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists against the Tall Blacks. Providing support to him was Mathna Almarwani who likewise had a stellar game with 16 points.
Clarkson finally makes home debut as Gilas battles Saudi Arabia
By REYNALDO MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas eyes redemption when it takes on Saudi Arabia to wrap up the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers at home at the Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, Aug. 29.
In an effort to erase the bitter memories of the tough 84-81 loss to FIBA Asia Cup silver medalist Lebanon three days ago, Gilas looks to pick up its first win in the second round of the qualifiers against a dangerous Arab squad in the 7 p.m. encounter.
All eyes will be on NBA star Jordan Clarkson who will make his first game at home ever since he started representing the country at international level in 2018 during the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Clarkson displayed a legitimate NBA level talent in his return to the national team when he dropped 27 points, seven assists and six rebounds against Lebanon.
Despite roughly five days of full practice under their belts, encouraging signs were also seen as the NBA veteran seemed to have gelled well with the likes of Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos who he played beautiful music together during some stretches in the game.
Ramos finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Sotto held his own with 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks on top of a couple of highlight dunks most of which coming from the assists passes from Clarkson.
The three are expected to lead the Gilas 12 which will be announced the night before the game. In an interview with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director and spokesperson Sonny Barrios, he revealed that the final roster doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the same team that played against Lebanon.
Barrios said, it will be upon the discretion of Gilas head coach Chot Reyes along with his deputies Jong Uichico and Tim Cone, on who will be fielded for the Saudi game which can include players outside from the 13-man pool that traveled to Lebanon.
“They can get from 24. Kung gugustuhin ng coaching staff,” said Barrios during the unveiling of the Tissot clock countdown at the Mall of Asia Music Hall on Saturday, Aug. 28.
That could mean players like Raymond Almazan, Francis Lopez, Kevin Alas and even Roosevelt Adams who attended their practices at the Meralco Gym last week can be called up.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia definitely showed they are no pushovers when it only lost by 15 points against New Zealand, 80-65. In comparison, Gilas’ losses to New Zealand had been all blowouts, losing by 25 in their first meeting and by 46 in their most recent clash.
Khalid M Abdel Gabar is expected to give Gilas a challenge on the defensive end after finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists against the Tall Blacks. Providing support to him was Mathna Almarwani who likewise had a stellar game with 16 points.
