FIBA’s coveted Naismith Trophy visited the new Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, Fort San Pedro, and the Mactan Shrine.
There’s no doubt in Jeff Chan’s mind Gilas Pilipinas can pull off surprises in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Manila.
A former member of Gilas himself, Chan declared this during the Naismith Trophy tour in Cebu on Tuesday.
“You never know. Maybe we can surprise Dominican Republic and Angola,” he said.
To do that, though, Gary David, another Gilas alumnus, said the team would need two things with the FIBA’s grandest competition kicking off in 10 days.
“Lalo na ngayon malapit na FIBA World Cup, kailangan ng Gilas Pilipinas natin ‘yung focus tapos ‘yung kumpiyansa nila talagang taasan na nila lalo na maglalaro sila sa harapan ng ating mga kababayan,” David said.
Advancing to the next round is the target for the squad, which is also shooting for a spot in the 2023 Paris Olympics. The best Asian team in the World Cup will clinch an outright berth in the games hosted by the French capital.
That’s why it is extremely important to beat Dominican Republic in the opener at the Philippine Arena, where Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas aims to break the decades-old FIBA gate attendance record of over 32,000.
Chan underscores a sense of urgency in the face of the tall task.
“Dapat no pressure naman, pero kailangan natin makuha first game kasi two (wins) to advance,” he said.
“Pero I think we’re all behind Gilas so we’re giving everything. Fans are excited na rin. and kaming mga former Gilas excited to watch and support the Gilas team. Hopefully makakuha tayo ng two wins and maka-advance.”
Chan and David accompanied FIBA’s coveted Naismith trophy which made stops at the Mactan Shrine, the newly-minted Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, and Fort San Pedro.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad, One Sports Digital)
(GM)