Anticipating an arduous contest, former NBA player Kyle Anderson is prepared for a formidable clash as the Chinese national team confronts Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup classification phase at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on September 2, Saturday.

As a naturalized player for China, Anderson acknowledges the prowess of the Philippine team and foresees a demanding encounter, especially with the fervent support of the home crowd backing the Philippines.

“The atmosphere is going to be electric. The Philippine team is highly skilled, and they enjoy strong backing from their fans, so this match is bound to be challenging,” stated Anderson, who also competes for the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.

In addition, Anderson, who is known by his Chinese name Li Kaier, eagerly awaits the opportunity to face off against fellow NBA player Jordan Clarkson, the naturalized player for the Philippines.

“I’ve been competing against him (Clarkson) since our college days, so going up against him is always enjoyable. Competing is a thrill. I’m eager to get ready for the game. We’re professionals, so I’m confident that all of us will be prepared,” Anderson expressed.

Similar to the Philippines in Group A, China also suffered three consecutive losses in Group B, culminating in an 89-107 defeat to Puerto Rico on August 30.

Nevertheless, both the Philippines and China still have a chance to secure direct berths in the Olympics, but they must triumph in their remaining classification phase matches to remain viable contenders.

Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Anderson emphasized that China must address their shortcomings and strive for a consistent performance throughout the entire 40-minute game.

“The challenge lies in maintaining that consistency—it’s easier said than done. We need to find a way. There were instances where we demonstrated impressive gameplay, but we also had moments of lapse, myself included. We need to overcome this,” Anderson explained.

“It’s crucial that we prevent guards from infiltrating the paint. I personally need to enhance my defensive skills, and I believe this is a collective effort. It’s not confined to one or two players; it’s a collaborative endeavor that we need to resolve together.” (ai/mnm)