Words of wisdom from coach Yeng.
There are two people in the Philippine camp who can provide nuggets of wisdom regarding Gilas Pilipinas' opponents in Group A at the FIBA World Cup.
One of them is Tab Baldwin, the former Gilas Pilipinas coach and program director, who faced Italy and the Dominican Republic in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The other is Yeng Guiao, the former Gilas Pilipinas coach, who took on Italy and Angola in Group D of the 2019 edition of the World Cup.
Guiao spoke to Noli Eala on Radyo5's Power and Play on whether the national team's chances improved this year, after ending up dead last in 2019.
"Of course! Sobrang ganda," Guiao said on Saturday and raised the possibility of upsets in the game. "Baka talunin natin Angola, madisgrasya Dominican Republic or kahit Italy, pasok na tayo sa next round. Malaking bagay na yun."
In 2019, Guiao's squad lost by just three points to Angola in overtime, 81-84.
The world no. 40 Gilas Pilipinas will be meeting the 41st ranked Black Antelopes again on August 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Napakalakas ng Angola team na 'yan. Walang maliit sa kanila. 'Yung mga katawan bato-bato lahat, walang mahinang katawan diyan, walang maliliit," Guiao described.
"So physically, they are superior and mabibilis din."
The Philippines though will be opening the tournament against the world number 23 Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena on August 25.
Guiao warned not to take the Caribbean squad lightly.
A Victor Liz-led Dominican Republic pummeled Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA OQT. A Facundo Campazzo-led squad also secured an upset in the Americas Qualifiers.
"Medyo takot ako dyan. Tinalo nila Argentina," Guiao said.
The Philippines' final assignment on August 29 will be the world no. 10 Italy, which will banner a well-honed and well-experienced squad led by Simone Fontecchio, Nicolo Melli, Marco Spissu, and Nico Mannion.
In 2019, the Azzurri pummeled Gilas Pilipinas, 108-62.
"Ang players niyan may NBA experience pero hasang-hasa sa Europe," Guiao noted.
"Almost all of their national team members play in Division I leagues in Europe so parang solid na yang Italy."
Guiao though is banking on Gilas Pilipinas' advantage in the games.
"Ang pinakamalaking ace is we're hosting," he said, noting the crowd and the familiarity with the environment.
"Ang laking bagay nun psychologically. You're in familiar grounds."