MVP: Aussies loom as Gilas biggest hurdle

MANILA, Philippines — Manny V. Pangilinan thinks there’s only one way for Gilas Pilipinas to even stand a chance against Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

“If we are going to get serious about competing against Australia, we need enough time for the team to gel,” said Pangilinan the other night.

The No. 1 patron of Philippine basketball walked out of the Smart Araneta Coliseum a happy man following Gilas’ 90-83 win over Chinese-Taipei.

It was the second win in as many games for the Filipinos following a seven-point win over Japan in Tokyo just a few nights ago.

Up next for Gilas Pilipinas is Australia, whom they will face on Feb. 22 in Australia and then on July 2 in Manila.

“Mabigat yun. (Heavyweight). It’s a good team,” MVP (Pangilinan) told reporters after the victory over the Taiwanese.

To say that Australia is a good team is an understatement.

Known as the Boomers, a slang for a male kangaroo, the Australians are currently No. 10 in the FIBA rankings.

They’ve been to the FIBA World Cup 11 times, and to the Olympics 14 times. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, they lost to Spain in the battle for the bronze, 89-88.

The Australians are big and strong. While there’s no player standing seven feet, they have a couple standing 6’11” and two more at 6’10” with only three players under 6’5.”

Pangilinan admitted that coach Chot Reyes’ squad, formed just three weeks ago, was a little rusty in its early games against Japan and Chinese-Taipei.

“Frankly, I thought they were a bit rusty in Tokyo. And you saw tonight. They were rusty. They were not gelling enough in the first half,” he said.

Matthew Wright, Jason Castro and June Mar Fajardo delivered in the end, with Wright hitting three three-point shots in the fourth period.

“Obviously, in the second half they got into the rhythm and into the groove. But against Australia, we won’t have that kind of chance,” said Pangilinan.

The coming holidays, plus the fact that the 43rd PBA season is scheduled to kick off on Dec. 17, may cause disturbance in Gilas’ preparations.

“The team needs, I don’t know, I’m not a coach, but at least a month before the actual competition – together,” added Pangilinan.

Australia beat Japan in Adelaide the other night, 82-58, and Gilas beat Japan by just seven points – if that can serve as a gauge.

“That’s the team to beat,” said MVP.

Still, he was satisfied with what he saw at the Big Dome last Monday.

“Given the circumstances under which the team was formed, I’m very happy with the team. I’m very proud of them,” he said.

It’s Australia that Gilas will have to really prepare for.

“I’m not trying to be pessimistic. All I’m saying is we need to prepare better for a team like Australia,” he said.

“Otherwise, our chances are not good.”