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‘We’re proving to ourselves that we will play with these guys, however we won’t be happy with getting shut,’ says head coach Tim Cone as Gilas Pilipinas goes to warfare within the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Match
MANILA, Philippines – Now that Gilas Pilipinas has proven it might probably go toe-to-toe with high groups from Europe, the following aim for the squad is to truly pull off wins when the “actual combat” – as head coach Tim Cone calls it – begins.
Though delighted with the way in which the Nationals battled towards Turkey and Poland in a pair of pleasant video games, Cone goals to squeeze extra out of his wards within the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Match in Riga, Latvia.
The highway to a coveted spot within the Paris Video games is an uphill climb for the Philippines because it faces world No. 6 Latvia and No. 23 Georgia within the group stage.
“I’ve been happy with our progress within the video games. We’re proving to ourselves that we will play with these guys, however we will’t be happy with getting shut,” Cone mentioned by a message alternate.
“We have to recover from the hump and which means extra consideration to element.”
Sticking with their 11-man roster minus injured guard Scottie Thompson, the Filipinos gave world No. 24 Turkey a run for its cash earlier than absorbing a 73-84 loss in Istanbul.
The Philippines performed higher towards Poland – ranked fifteenth on this planet and bolstered by NBA participant Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs – because it fell wanting a large upset in an 80-82 defeat in Sosnowiec.
Defending the ball is a significant concern for Gilas after it totaled extra turnovers (40) than assists (39) within the two tune-up matches.
There’s little room for error within the OQT, with host Latvia decided to achieve the Olympics for the primary time since 1936 because it put collectively a stable staff led by Charlotte Hornets ahead Davis Bertans, Arturs Zagars, and Rodions Kurucs.
Georgia can be bringing its NBA gamers, with Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (San Antonio Spurs) main its bid for a maiden Olympic look.
“This isn’t purported to be a enjoyable journey, it’s purported to be the toughest factor we are going to ever do in our basketball lives,” mentioned Cone. “The blokes are pushing and I adore it. However we nonetheless want extra.”
Cone and Gilas arrived in Latvia on Sunday, June 30, and he hopes for the staff to calm down amid a grueling European journey that noticed it journey to 3 nations in lower than per week.
“Hopefully, now that we’re right here in Riga, issues will normalize for us the following couple of days and we will catch our breath and give attention to the event,” mentioned Cone.
The Philippines will play two video games in lower than 24 hours because it tangles with Latvia and Georgia at 12 am and eight:30 pm, respectively, on Thursday, July 4 (Manila time). – Rappler.com
