MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas will be tested right in its first two games in the fourth FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan as it plays China on opening day Friday then Lebanon the following day.
The Nationals complete their stint in the Group A elimination-round play in taking on Uzbekistan on Sunday then Macau on Monday.
Team Pilipinas needs to make the top four in its group to qualify for the knockout stage of the 10-nation event originally named Stankovic Cup in honor of the longtime FIBA official from Serbia.
Other teams vying in the tourney are Iran, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Qatar and India
Gilas coach Chot Reyes welcomed their schedule and the format of the competition, saying: “It is what it is. It’s a good preparation for us.”
Reyes and his troops leave Manila Wednesday for their second international competition in the early stage of their buildup for the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
The Nationals automatically qualify for the Asian meet if they place in the Top Three in the Asia Cup. If not, they need to go through the SEABA (Southeast Asian Basketball Association) qualifier.
Talk n Text utility player Jarred Dillinger is joining the core of the Jones Cup champion team in the Tokyo joust.
Dillinger is back as a national player following his tenure with the Phl squad that placed eighth in the 2009 FIBA Asian Championship in Tianjin, China.
Reyes said he wants to see how Dillinger fares playing guard in international play.
Dillinger is taking over from Sol Mercado who will be left behind together with Kelly Williams, Jason Castro, Ryan Reyes, Jayvee Casio, Jimmy Alapag and Mac Baracael.
Williams, Castro and Reyes are out on account of injuries while Mercado faces eligibility problems.
“It’s basically the same as the Jones Cup team except that this team has greater commitment to taller guards in Matt Ganuelas and Jarred Dillinger,” said Reyes.
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