Out of hundreds of basketball nations, only 32 teams will play in the FIBA World Cup this August. These are the best national teams in the entire world, so it will be ill-advised to wish a dream matchup heading into the FIBA World Cup draw.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio refused to namedrop specific squads when asked who he wants Gilas Pilipinas to face in the group stage.
"There's nobody that's weak on these teams. These are the top 32, top national players," Panlilio told News5.
Although, the SBP chief is hoping for a favorable draw.
"There will be one African team, one Americas team and one European team. Hoping that the weakest of all of them in their bracket, but it's hard to tell."
Regardless of the groupings, Panlilio said he wants the country to do something it hasn't done since returning to the FIBA World Cup in 2014, ending a 36-year drought.
"My wish, we could win at least two (games) and move to the next round."
Gilas Pilipinas has only won once in 10 matches since the 2014 FIBA World Cup. The pressure to perform is at an all-time high, considering that the Philippines is one of the co-hosts of this year's tournament.
There's more at stake than pride too.
"If we do that (win at least two games and advance to the knockout stage) possibly, because the highest ranking Asian team after every tournament gets a slot to the Olympics. It's a reward if we're the highest Asian team," Panlilio said.