Lazada Philippines

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Gilas Pilipinas #PUSO




MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup is just around the corner. In the lead-up to the biggest international basketball event, we take an individual look at all 24 teams.

Country: Philippines
FIBA bwin Ranking Men: No. 34
Last participation in the FIBA Basketball World Cup: 1978 (0 wins, 8 defeats; 8th place)
Best result in the history of the FIBA Basketball World Cup: 3rd Place (1954)
Result in qualifying tournament for 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup: 2nd place at 2013 FIBA Asia Championship (7 wins, 2 defeats)

There are two facts about the Philippines that have become increasingly evident the past couple of years.

First, there is a voracious appetite for basketball in the country.

Second, when the national team plays, nothing else matters.

Everything came to a standstill in 2013 on the nights that the Philippines ran onto the floor at the FIBA Asia Championship because the games were in Manila. 

Gilas enjoyed a tremendous home court advantage and rode it all the way to the Final and a spot in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

A place in this year's 24-team tournament was secured when Chot Reyes' side hit back from a 39-36 deficit at half-time against Korea in the Semi-Finals to win, 86-79.

The Philippines guards ripped the Korean defense to shreds in the second half, with All-Tournament selection Jayson William pouring in a team-high 17 points and veteran Jimmy Alapag contributing 14.

The country won with no major production from their center in that game, with naturalized big man Marcus Douthit getting hurt and logging just 13 minutes.

Douthit, who was also lost for the Final against Iran, had been the team's leading scorer and rebounder in the tournament, averaging 11.9 points and 9.4 rebounds.

The 2.11m pivot won't be able to help Gilas at the World Cup in Group B against Greece, Croatia, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Argentina, either.

Instead, Andray Blatche, a 2.11m center of the Brooklyn Nets with eight years of NBA experience under his belt, has been awarded citizenship in the Philippines and will be the naturalized player in Reyes' squad.

Another important change to the squad has Paul Lee in the Gilas backcourt instead of shooting guard Larry Fonacier.

Lee had the opportunity to try and make the Gilas team last year at the FIBA Asia Championship but passed on it.

With Fonacier needing to rest this summer after picking up various knocks the past couple of years, the door opened for Lee and he took full advantage during the preparations.

The 1.85m combo guard believes he'll be an asset because of his size.

He is taller than three of the other players in the Philippines backcourt.

Alapag, L.A. (Lewis Alfred) Tenorio and William are all 1.76m in height.

Reyes' team will be among the underdogs at the World Cup but Blatche, who should provide plenty of points, rebounds and blocked shots, is an intriguing addition.

And there is a third fact when it comes to the Philippines which will help them in Sevilla: they always play hard and show a plenty of heart.

Every opponent in Spain must respect them.

--FIBA

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