Italy the team to beat in Gilas’ FIBA group, says Chot

Set to take centerstage as the house staff in entrance of anticipated sold-out crowds each recreation, Gilas Pilipinas is seeking to make some noise within the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

However, if the final word aim of getting the lone outright Asian olympic slot is to be achieved, the Philippines must first overcome powerful battles in Group A in opposition to Italy, Dominican Republic, and Angola.

After their open observe final August 22, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes acknowledged the would possibly that their opponents possess, significantly world no. 10 Italy.

Led by Jordan Clarkson’s Utah Jazz teammate Simone Fontecchio and former NBA gamers Luigi Datome and Nicolo Melli, Reyes asserted that the Azzurri are the staff to beat in Group A.

Italy achieved a flawless 7-0 report, scoring wins in opposition to Brazil, Greece, and Serbia, of their spectacular build-up forward of World Cup,

“We know how strong Italy is. They’re a top 10 team, they’ve been playing together for a long time. They may only have one or two NBA players in their roster, but the other guys there—Datome, Melli—they’re really NBA caliber but they’re just opting to play in Europe. So they’re a very tough team, they’re the team to beat in our group no doubt,” mentioned Reyes.

“For them to have a perfect slate in their tune up schedule is not surprising,” the Gilas mentor added.

Also equally harmful is the Dominican Republic, who’s led by Minnesota Timberwolves famous person and three-time NBA all-star Karl-Anthony Towns.

“Dominican Republic, as you know, beat Canada…they also played Spain in a very close match. If only KAT didn’t foul out in that last quarter, they might have been able to win that game. That is indicative of how good that team is,” asserted Reyes.

When requested what the sport plan is to comprise the Dominican famous person, Reyes jokingly mentioned: “Secret. With a lot of prayer.”

Gilas mentor Chot Reyes shares how the staff is making ready heading into their first recreation in opposition to a Karl Anthony-Towns led Dominican Republic.@gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/SrehogLGuL

— Juris (@Salvanera_Juris) August 22, 2023

Rounding out the group and to not be ignored, world no. 41 Angola will look to attain back-to-back World Cup wins in opposition to the Philippines. The 11-time AfroBasket champions are led by Atlanta Hawks middle Bruno Fernando.

Gilas will open its marketing campaign within the World Cup on Friday in opposition to Dominican Republic on the Philippine Arena, whereas they’ll face Angola on the twenty seventh of August and Italy on the twenty ninth.

—Juris Salvanera/JKC, GMA Integrated News