MVP optimistic of Gilas chances

MANILA, Philippines — Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan is upbeat about Gilas Pilipinas’ chances at crashing the Top 16 in the coming FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

Leading the send-off ceremonies for the squad yesterday at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall in Ortigas, Pangilinan said the goal of hurdling the first round against groupmates Italy, Serbia and Angola and advancing to the 16-team Round 2 is “doable.”

“(I’m) always optimistic,” said the basketball exec and patron, rallying Gilas to do one better than their World Cup debut in Spain four years ago.

For this to happen, Gilas needs to extract two victories in Group D. The team looks at Angola as its best chance to get one and if the stars align, Italy as possibly the other.

“Take it one at a time,” Pangilinan advised the squad.

Gilas kicks off action on Aug. 31 in Foshan against the Italians with President Duterte expected to cheer for them at ringside, before playing heavy favorite Serbia on Sept. 2 and Angola two days later.

“I think if we could make it to the Final 16, that would be a huge achievement for Gilas,” said Pangilinan, joined in the send-off by SBP president Al Panlilio, executive director Sonny Barrios, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and members of the visiting Australian club Adelaide 36ers.

Pangilinan expressed gratitude to Duterte for his decision to watch Gilas’ opening game. The Chief Executive will be visiting China from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2 and would watch Gilas even though “it doesn’t stand a chance against the taller Italians.”

“The fact that he’s going down to Foshan  from Beijing shows his tangible support for the team and of course the Philippines. We’re grateful for that and glad that he’s coming down to show his support for the team,” MVP said.

If Gilas defies the odds and upsets Italy, Pangilinan said the team might just encourage the President to stay on for the next encounter against Serbia.

Gilas Pilipinas under head coach Yeng Guiao is in the final phase of its training for this year’s FIBA World Cup.