Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
The Batang Gilas team and coaching staff meet sports journalists during a homecoming event on Tuesday fresh off their successful stint at the FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship in China. Handout
MANILA, Philippines—Batang Gilas found itself in a tough group in the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup, as the young Filipinos will face off against 3 teams ranked in the Top 10 – including hosts Argentina.
The Philippines was put in Group D, where it will play world No. 7 Argentina, No. 8 Croatia, and No. 9 France.
It is certainly a tough group, but Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said he hopes the young Filipinos can take heart in what their senior counterparts accomplished four years ago, when they competed in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.
"Anyone can remember in 2014 we were bracketed with Argentina and Croatia, and we took both teams to the last possession," Reyes said Tuesday during Batang Gilas' homecoming press conference at Crowne Plaza.
ADVERTISEMENT
The veteran mentor pointed out that both Croatia and Argentina were very heavily favored, but Gilas Pilipinas not only stayed competitive but also nearly stole the win in both games.
They bowed to Croatia 81-78 in overtime, and to Argentina 85-81.
"We took both teams to the last possession," Reyes stressed. "We took Croatia to overtime. So you never know."
"The fact is, the team (Batang Gilas) is there (at the World Cup)," he added. "And they will always have a chance."
Josh Reyes, who is an assistant coach for both Batang Gilas and Gilas Pilipinas, acknowledged that the other teams in their group are "very tough." However, he also stressed that the young Filipinos are capable of giving them a run for their money.
"I believe with the proper preparation, and especially in this age group level, I think we can really compete," Reyes said. "The aim is to surprise people, and see how far we can go."
"We are not a small team anymore," he added. "Physically, we can hang with these guys. So it's just the preparation, and the experience of being there."
According to the competition format, every team will qualify to the round-of-16 regardless of their record in the group round.
The FIBA Under-17 World Cup runs from June 30 to July 8 in Rosario and Santa Fe, Argentina.
ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.
Our website is made possible by displaying online
advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting
us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.
Our website is made possible by displaying online
advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting
us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.
