By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas is getting its much needed experience playing against Latin American teams as it gears up for its debut against Dominican Republic in the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Aug. 25 at the Philippine Arena.
With some of the World Cup-bound teams already arriving in the country as early as Aug. 17, the Nationals are hoping to take advantage and secure some tuneup games to better prepare themselves for the global meet.
In fact, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes shared that the team is already scheduled to play Mexico in a friendly here in the country on Aug. 21.
“We have already confirmed a friendly against Mexico dito sa Pilipinas so that should take the place of latin american style of play na hinahanap natin to prepare us for Dominican Republic,” said Reyes in a recent interview with SEAG Live.
Aside from that, Gilas is working on a possible tuneup game against Puerto Rico after its scheduled pocket tournament in China where it will play Lebanon, Iran and Senegal.
“We have a request to play for Puerto Rico kahit maski mag stay tayo ng a few more days in China, because Puerto Rico will be there the following week for another pocket tournament so we are requesting to play them. Hopefully mapaunlakan,” Reyes added.
Gilas’ preparations for the World Cup has revolved around simulating its games against its group stage opponents Italy, Angola and Dominican Republic.
The Filipinos already had experience playing against the European style during their trip in Estonia and Lithuania and will get accustomed to the African game in its game against Senegal.
