Serbian Coach Praises Gilas Pilipinas Ahead of FIBA Asia Cup
Aleksandar Djrodjevic, the Serbian national coach who previously criticized Gilas Pilipinas during the 2019 Fiba World Cup, has now expressed his admiration for the current Philippine basketball team. Djrodjevic, who is now coaching the Chinese national team, believes that the latest Gilas squad, led by Jordan Clarkson, is a team to be respected.
In 2019, Djrodjevic remarked that Gilas Pilipinas was “missing quality” after their disappointing performance in the Fiba World Cup. However, he now acknowledges the improvements made by the team. He praised the Philippine Basketball Federation for assembling an athletic team with size and the addition of Clarkson, who provides the talent and composure to handle tight games.
Djrodjevic clarified that his previous comments were made in the heat of the moment and that he respects the current Gilas team. Both China and the Philippines are among the six Asian teams competing for a spot in the Paris Olympic Games next year, and they could potentially face each other in the tournament.
As a former professional player for the Portland Trail Blazers, Djrodjevic maintains a competitive outlook and stated that his team will approach a game against the Philippines with the same mentality. However, he acknowledged that the specific scenario is uncertain at this time.
China is grouped with Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico in the FIBA Asia Cup. They will face Djrodjevic’s compatriots in their first game on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Serbian coach’s positive remarks about Gilas Pilipinas indicate the growing recognition of the team’s progress and potential in international basketball.
