MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas is in a must-win situation when it battles Kazakhstan in the 2018 Asian Games men’s basketball on Thursday at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Head coach Yeng Guiao said he reminded his players to keep their emotions in check in their 10 a.m. game against Kazakhstan, which he likened to Australia Boomers.
“They are a rugged, tough team. They are physically tough and strong. Their bigs and guard are 3-point shooters. They are very rugged and physical kaya dapat huwag kang mapipikon,” Guiao said of Kazakhstan.
He added: “They are fundamentally sound, so you’re always in danger of being outworked kasi blue-collar players sila. They’re just working hard for every possession. They work hard for the rebounds, for the loose balls. So you can’t be outworked by them.
“Ganoon lang talaga iyong style nila. Siguro malapit sila sa style ng Australia. Kaya I keep on reminding my players to keep their emotions in check because it is a must-win game for us.”
Gilas and Kazakhstan have constantly faced each other in previous Asian Games.
In 2014 the Philippines won 67-65 in a match well remembered for Gilas center Marcus Douthit’s attempt to score on the opponent’s basket.
“Based on our experience previously with Kazakhstan, it’s always been a close game with them. Parating dikit sa FIBA Asia at sa Asian Games. So we are expecting a dogfight with them. Dogfight ha, not fight,” Guiao quipped.
Bannering the Philippine squad were James Yap, Chris Tiu, Maverick Ahanmisi, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood, Asi Taulava, Christian Standhardinger, John Paul Erram, Stanley Pringle, and Paul Lee./PN
Go Gilas! You can win it.. Make our country be proud.