Batang Gilas ready to test mettle at FIBA U-17 World Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Ready to prove their mettle in the world stage, Batang Gilas will leave this week to compete in the FIBA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Argentina from June 30 to July 8. 

“We have a strong contender with our current U-17 lineup. With their smarts, speed, hard work and team work, we are confident they will do well in this tough competition,” said Smart chief and sports tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, who is also the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus.

The Batang Gilas team members who are flying out Thursday night are Gerry Abadiano, Carl Tamayo, Bismarck Lina, Miguel Pascual, Rafael Go, Joshua Lazaro, Forthsky Padrigao, Mac Guadana, Geo Chiu, Raven Cortez, Terrence Fortea, Kai Sotto and RC Calimag.

Batang Gilas punched their ticket to world tiff by placing fourth in the Under-16 Asian Championship in China last April.

The Philippine team faces a tough challenge, having been placed in Group D together with European powerhouses France and Croatia, as well as host Argentina. Batang Gilas will face Croatia on June 30, France on July 1, and Argentina on July 3. The top two in each group will advance to the knockout playoffs.

The last time the Philippines qualified in the tournament was in 2014.