Gilas Pilipinas got a taste of the tough competition they will face in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Despite a spirited effort, the Philippines fell to Montenegro in a 102-87 defeat. Head coach Chot Reyes acknowledged the strength and talent of their opponents, emphasizing the need for improvement as they prepare to face the world’s best teams.
Reyes was pleased with his team’s performance in the first half, but pointed out a defensive letdown in the third quarter that allowed Montenegro to take control of the game. He stressed the importance of not giving quality teams like Montenegro any momentum, as it becomes difficult to recover from such deficits.
Although Jordan Clarkson, June Mar Fajardo, and Dwight Ramos made significant contributions, it wasn’t enough to extend Gilas Pilipinas’ winning streak. Reyes emphasized the need for production from the entire squad, particularly the big men who will face tall and athletic opponents in Group A.
In a friendly match against Mexico, Gilas had an opportunity to make adjustments and fine-tune their strategies. Mexico, who recently defeated Egypt and Lebanon, poses a significant challenge as both teams compete for the lone Olympic Games berth for Asian teams.
Gilas Pilipinas is determined to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level in the FIBA World Cup. With a strong roster and the guidance of Coach Reyes, the Philippine team is ready to take on the world’s best.
