GUANGZHOU, China – Marcio Lassiter is a firm believer that Gilas Pilipinas can get its outside shooting back on track after a horrendous clip against Italy in Saturday’s FIBA World Cup opener.
Lassiter, who failed to make the roster due to a knee injury, felt helpless from the stands as Gilas shot 3-of-23 from rainbow country, missing its first 18 shots in the 108-62 loss to the Italians in Foshan, about an hour from this city.
But Lassiter is confident Gilas can make up for its offensive woes, beginning with Monday’s clash with title contender Serbia.
“I have seen it first hand,” Lassiter told a handful of Manila-based scribes billeted here.
“They’re such great shooters that they can string one, two or three. So I felt that if they would get one three, it’s gonna keep on falling because that confidence is gonna keep going.
“It’s something that they need to see. It’s kinda like when you make a shot, you kinda see it go through the rim. It’s gonna give you some confidence. I’m sure that if one goes in, the whole team’s confidence will gather,” he added.
The San Miguel Beer guard added that his absence is a chance for others to step up.
“It doesn’t help the team when one of the best shooters is out,” he said. “Initially, you can only think of next man up. That’s pretty much the mentality that they have to approach and it gives an opportunity for some…all of the other guys.
“So even in the tune-ups or knock-down, plain shots, it’s just something that they know, they’ve been playing out for a while and get one shot going and another one’s gonna keep going. So I feel that it’s probably the best thing they can pride in,” Lassiter added.
He was the only one from the pool of players that failed to make the cut who came to watch Gilas face some of the world’s best in the World Cup, bringing along his wife and children. (Jonas Terrado)
