FOSHAN, China—The Philippine national basketball team knows very well it has a tall task ahead of them in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, but a glimpse of the competition only further fueled the Filipinos' drive.

"Nakasabay namin sila kumain kanina," Gilas guard CJ Perez said of the Italian and Angolan national teams, which along with Serbia were drawn with the Philippines in Group D.

Seeing their opponents at the hotel proved what Gilas Pilipinas already knew: it will be at a size disadvantage in the group round.

"Siyempre tinatanya natin din sila kasi malalaki," Perez said.

Raymond Almazan added: "Ang laki."

Rather than feeling dejected, the sight of their foes seem to further fire up the Filipinos.

"Sabi naman nila coach, ’pag bibigay namin ’yung best namin, at ’pag maganda nilaro namin, may chance kami manalo against sa kanila," Perez said, after Gilas held its first practice at Foshan International and Cultural Center.

Almazan agreed, saying: "Siguro, may chance naman tayo, kasi nag-prepare naman tayo. And then, let's see in the game na lang sa Saturday."

The team is already looking to familiarize themselves with the playing court, knowing very well how crucial it can be to its chances. Gilas opens its World Cup campaign on Saturday against Italy, in what coach Yeng Guiao has dubbed their "most important" game.

"Makapit lang 'yung court, sobrang kapit. Advantage naman 'yun, sanay tayo sa mga ganyan. Sana makatulong sa atin. And then sana makapahinga kami ng maayos," Almazan said.

Perez was encouraged by how the team shot the ball during practice. The team conducted shooting drills for the final 20 minutes of their allotted time at the venue.

"Nakikita ko naman kanina sa practice, nashu-shoot nila ’yung mga outside shots. So hopefully sa next practice tsaka sa next game, ma-shoot din namin ang mga shots namin kasi 'yun talaga ang pinaghahandaan namin," the Columbian Dyip guard said.

"So 'pag maraming mashu-shoot na outside shots, mas malaki 'yung chance na manalo."

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