Too bad it will be behind closed doors.
Montenegro, the 18th-ranked nation by FIBA, has arrived in the Philippines for the FIBA World Cup, less than two weeks before it plunges into action at the Mall of Asia Arena versus Egypt.
Before that, however, it will first play a closed-door tune-up versus Gilas Pilipinas as part of both teams’ final preparations for the big dance set to unfurl on August 25. And it appears the European nation led by Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic is looking forward to that matchup.
“We’re excited for it [tune-up game versus Gilas]. They’re a good team,” Vucevic told reporters at the airport upon Montenegro’s arrival. “They’ll be good preparation for us for the World Cup.”
Vucevic, though, has one more reason to get excited about Montenegro’s closed-door tussle with Gilas: the chance to play against NBA peer Jordan Clarkson.
“We’re excited to see JC,” Vucevic admitted, before giving Clarkson his flowers. “I’ve played against him lots of times in the NBA. He’s a very good player. I know he takes a lot of pride in playing for the Philippines, so that’s amazing. It’ll be fun.”
It ought to be fun, indeed, and competitive as it is highly likely that both teams are all but ready for the FIBA World Cup—and looking for an acid test. Gilas is in Group A with Italy, Dominican Republic, and Angola. Montenegro, on the other hand, is in Group D, alongside Egypt, Mexico, and Lithuania.
Montenegro will get to test Gilas’ mettle on Sunday, just five days before the FIBA World Cup officially tips off.