Batang Gilas’ Joaquin Gabriel Ludovice drives in for a twinner during PH’s FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals match against Japan in Doha, Qatar on Saturday (Sept. 23, 2023).
Image Courtesy of FIBA
BATANG Gilas settled for fourth place in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship after absorbing a tough 59-87 debacle against China early Monday in Doha, Qatar.
Joaquin Ludovice led the Philippines losing campaign, tallying 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
The Filipinos young guns had it so good in the first quarter where they only trailed by only three points at 17-20 at the close.
But they were overshadowed by China in the subsequent two quarters, outscoring the Philippines, 50-20, during this period.
The taller Chinese nationals floored the pedal to the metal in the third canto, by putting in 26 points while limiting the Batang Gilas side to only eight buckets.
Entering the final quarter with a commanding 33-point lead at 70-37, China held their advantage and secured a third-place finish in the tournament.
Australia takes the crown
Australia emerged as the champions of the competition, defeating New Zealand, 79-76, in the final match.
Kiefer Alas also made significant contributions with 13 points and five rebounds, while Irish Chua added 10 points for Gilas.
Despite their fourth-place finish, Batang Gilas secured a spot in the U17 World Cup in Turkey next year due to their semifinals appearance in this Asian tournament.
China’s Boyuan Zhang was a formidable opponent, scoring 34 points on an impressive 12-of-17 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds. Sinan Huan also had an outstanding performance with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, and Ziheng Wang contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – It will be Serbia versus Germany in the finals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup as the two teams came away with contrasting wins over their respective semifinal foes Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
As such, the FIBA World Cup finals will feature an all-European showdown, as Germany pulled off a hard-earned win over a formidable NBA-laden USA team, winning, 113-111.
Andreas Obst led the charge with an impressive 24 points, complemented by Franz Wagner’s 22 points and Daniel Theis contributing 21 points, securing Germany’s spot in the finals.
Germany will now vie for the championship title against Serbia, which also defeated a star-studded Canadian squad in the other semifinal match earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, the USA and Canada will battle it out for the bronze medal on Sunday, September 10, at 4:30 p.m., just before the eagerly awaited Germany-Serbia title showdown is slated at 8:40 p.m.
Team USA engaged Germany in a see-saw game in the first and then took a slim 60-59 margin at the half before resetting the game at 64-all off Jaren Jackson, Jr.’s two free throws.
From there, Germany took the lead and showed the way and took a comfortable 92-84 advantage on Bobby Portis, Jr.’s banking floater at the end of the third canto.
The Germans never relinquished the lead but coach Steve Kerr’s wards dropped a telling 9-0 tear going into the final three minutes of play that shoved them up close at 103-106 capped by Anthony Edwards’ trey with 3:17 minutes to go.
US pulled closest at 107-108 courtesy of Austin Reaves’ two-of-two free throws, with 1:35 minutes left.
But equally determined, Germany responded with a step-back triple from Andreas Obst that gave them a 111-107 lead with a minute left.
And the rest was history.
The American team secured their spot in the semifinals with an emphatic 100-63 victory over Italy in the quarterfinals while Germany reached the semifinals after a tense 81-79 win against the crowd favorite, Latvia.
The semifinal showdown between Germany and the US marked the second encounter between the two countries in less than a month.
They faced off in an exhibition game on August 21, where the Americans staged a remarkable comeback from a 16-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Germans in Abu Dhabi.
Anthony Edwards erupted for 34 points in that exhibition match.
The Americans had a medal-less campaign in 2019, although its holds the distinction as the winningest team with five golds together with another country, Yugoslavia.
The Soviet Union has three (3), while Brazil and Spain have two (2) each and Argentina with 1.
Serbia outguns Canada
Serbia blazed a triumphant path to the FIBA World Cup final by outgunning a star-studded Canadian squad, prevailing with a score of 95-86 in the other knockout semifinal clash earlier played.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the charge for Serbia with an impressive 23 points, showcasing remarkable accuracy with an eight of 12 shooting record.
It’s noteworthy that Serbia boasts the fewest NBA players among all the semifinalists, with just two in their roster.
Ognjen Dobric contributed 16 points to the cause, while Nikola Milutinov delivered a double-double performance with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Serbia now advances to the championship game, where they will face the victor of the other semifinal matchup between the USA and Germany (playing at press time).
The American team secured their spot in the semifinals with a dominant 100-63 triumph over Italy in the quarterfinals, while Germany advanced after a nail-biting 81-79 victory over the crowd favorite, Latvia.
As the final quarter began, it became increasingly evident that Serbia was on the verge of securing the first ticket to the championship game in this year’s edition of the world’s premier basketball tournament.
At that point, Serbia held a commanding 77-63 lead, boosted by a dazzling steal and score by Aleksa Abramovic, followed by a three-pointer from Marko Guduric.
A timely tip-in by Dejan Davidovac further extended Serbia’s advantage to 17 points (82-65) with 8:35 remaining.
In response, Canada called for a timeout in a desperate bid to halt Serbia’s momentum.
Dillon Brooks then drained a crucial three-pointer to briefly interrupt Serbia’s dominance.
However, the Serbians, resolute in their determination, maintained a tenacious defense and a well-coordinated offensive strategy, effectively keeping the Canadians at bay.
Canada never managed to significantly narrow the gap but at the final count, and Serbia ultimately clinched the victory, securing their spot in the FIBA World Cup final.
After a silver medal finish in 2014, Serbia is now poised to contend for gold in the FIBA World Cup finals once again.
Serbia earned the first semifinal slot in the 2023 World Cup via a resounding 87-68 win over previously unbeaten Lithuania on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Team Canada advanced to the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2023 semifinals after taking down Slovenia 100-89 on Wednesday behind a 31-point, 10-rebound performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Serbia blazed a triumphant path to the FIBA World Cup final by outgunning a star-studded Canadian squad, prevailing with a score of 95-86 in the knockout semifinal clash at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the charge for Serbia with an impressive 23 points, showcasing remarkable accuracy with an eight-of-12 shooting record.
It’s noteworthy that Serbia boasts the fewest NBA players among all the semifinalists, with just two in their roster.
Ognjen Dobric contributed 16 points to the cause, while Nikola Milutinov delivered a double-double performance with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Serbia now advances to the championship game, where they will face the victor of the other semifinal matchup between the USA and Germany (playing at press time).
The American team secured their spot in the semifinals with a dominant 100-63 triumph over Italy in the quarterfinals, while Germany advanced after a nail-biting 81-79 victory over the crowd favorite, Latvia.
As the final quarter began, it became increasingly evident that Serbia was on the verge of securing the first ticket to the championship game in this year’s edition of the world’s premier basketball tournament.
At that point, Serbia held a commanding 77-63 lead, boosted by a dazzling steal and score by Aleksa Abramovic, followed by a three-pointer from Marko Guduric.
A timely tip-in by Dejan Davidovac further extended Serbia’s advantage to 17 points (82-65) with 8:35 remaining.
In response, Canada called for a timeout in a desperate bid to halt Serbia’s momentum.
Dillon Brooks then drained a crucial three-pointer to briefly interrupt Serbia’s dominance.
However, the Serbians, resolute in their determination, maintained a tenacious defense and a well-coordinated offensive strategy, effectively keeping the Canadians at bay.
Canada never managed to significantly narrow the gap but at the final count and Serbia ultimately clinched the victory, securing their spot in the FIBA World Cup final.
After a silver medal finish in 2014, Serbia is now poised to contend for gold in the FIBA World Cup finals once again.
Serbia earned the first semifinal slot in the 2023 World Cup via a resounding 87-68 win over previously unbeaten Lithuania on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Team Canada advanced to the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2023 semifinals after taking down Slovenia 100-89 on Wednesday behind a 31-point, 10-rebound performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – Serbia advanced further into the FIBA World Cup after romping Lithuania, 87-68, at the start of the final phase on Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After a tight first quarter that even saw Lithuania take a 25-24 lead, Serbia ripped Lithuania in the second quarter to spark the breakaway, outscoring them, 25-13, for a 49-38 halftime lead.
Serbia’s domination continued in the second half en route to the rout.
Serbian guard Bogdan Bogdanovic led his team, which will face the winner of the Wednesday night clash between Canada and Slovenia in the semifinals on Friday night, with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Bogdanovic dedicated the win to teammate Boris Simanic whose kidney was removed after getting a bad foul during the game against South Sudan in the elimination phase.
“We were nervous yesterday, moving to another hotel, I was especially nervous, because I was always losing to Lithuania in my young age. I was so nervous. And then I see the message from Borisa, he was saying, ‘Guys, I’m good, don’t worry. Let’s win tonight!’ For him just to think about us after everything that happened to him (losing a kidney), he united us, and that’s an amazing guy. This is for him,” Bogdanovic said.
Tadas Sedekerskis led Lithuania, which was relegated to the classification games for fifth-eighth places, with 14 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
USA moves on to semis
In the second game, USA whipped Italy, 100-63, making it to the semi-finals after missing it in 2019. The win booked them the second Final Four slot after Serbia in the earlier match and will face the winner between Germany and Latvia on Sept. 8.
Mikal Bridges top scored with 24 points and hauled down 7 rebounds.
USA’s full-court zone press tortured Italy and scored 46 points in the first half, opening up a 22-point lead and from then on controlled most of the second half.
“It was our best defensive effort of the tournament to this point, and that’s what it’s going to take to win two more games,” said USA head coach Steve Kerr.
“You always wanna respond to a loss with a competitive effort, and the joy and competitiveness go hand in hand when you compete and play with that kind of force and energy,” he added, referring to the loss against Lithuania in the tournament’s second round.
With this win, the USA qualified for the semi-finals for the eighth time in the FIBA World Cup.
The 37-point margin is the second highest ever in a FIBA World Cup quarter-final game, after USA vs. Slovenia in 2014 (43-point margin, 119-76).
This 37-point loss was Italy’s heaviest ever in a FIBA World Cup game.
Lithuania and Italy will play in the Classification 5-8 game on Sept. 7. (PNA)
Four teams are now vying for coveted spots in the FIBA World Cup semifinals.
After ten days of intense competition, encompassing two rounds and classification phase games, the FIBA Basketball World Cup has entered its thrilling knockout stage.
The quarterfinal line-up includes the basketball powerhouses of the USA, Italy, Serbia, and Lithuania, alongside Germany, Latvia, Canada, and Slovenia.
All eyes are fixated on the youthful and exceptionally talented American team, a crowd favorite, as they prepare to take the court for the first quarterfinal match at the Mall of Asia Arena today.
In the marquee event of the double-header, the USA will face Italy at 8:40 p.m., while Lithuania and Serbia will kick off the proceedings at 4:45 p.m.
The American squad’s resilience will be put to the test following their first tournament loss, a hard-fought 104-110 defeat to Lithuania on Sunday. Coach Steve Kerr sees this setback as a valuable learning experience as they strive to surpass their country’s quarterfinal finish in the 2019 edition of the tournament.
The USA secured the second spot in Group J with a 4-1 record, trailing the undefeated Lithuania at 5-0. Kerr acknowledged the strength of their opponents, saying, “It’s a great game for us to experience. This is FIBA. There are great teams that have continuity, that understand what they are doing, they execute. Lithuania was brilliant tonight, they deserved to win.”
Kerr, a nine-time NBA champion, is not accustomed to losing and admitted, “I hate losing, I’ll probably won’t sleep much tonight.” However, he emphasized the importance of using this defeat as a catalyst for improvement, saying, “But for us to get better, we needed to feel this, we needed to bond the way we did. And the next game, we have to start the way we did in the second half. We can’t ease into the game at all. So I’m hoping that this is a lesson and we get better from this.”
Lithuania capitalized on their efficient three-point shooting and size advantage in the paint, led by New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas. Despite a spirited comeback led by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, the Americans fell short in the final quarter.
Looking ahead to their match against Italy, the USA aims to avoid another sluggish start. Italy, making their first quarterfinal appearance in 25 years, has undergone a significant transformation since the 1998 World Cup, where their current coach, Gianmarco Pozzecco, was still a player.
Pozzecco remarked, “There is no comparing 1998 and now. It was totally different. I have so much respect for all my teammates who played for me or I played with them. And coach Bogdan Tanjevic, who is one of the best people I have ever met. But there is nothing to compare.”
Italy secured their place in the quarterfinals with a convincing 73-57 victory over Puerto Rico on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, marking a memorable 200th game for veteran Gigi Datome with the Italian basketball team. Italy topped Group I with a 4-1 record.
While the Italians savor their first quarterfinal appearance in a quarter-century, they have their sights set on going even further in this World Cup, hosted by the Philippines. Giampaolo Ricci, a forward for Italy, expressed their collective aspirations, saying, “We want to just enjoy the moment because in the last 25 years it’s never happened. We will enjoy this moment but we will keep dreaming.”
Forward Nicolo Melli added, “It’s a big achievement, so we have a day to enjoy it. And then we will refocus and get ready for the next game.” (ai/mnm)
MANILA – Molten has officially unveiled the ball that will be used in the championship game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sunday.
The ball is similar in design to the one currently used during the World Cup, but the difference is that the FIBA World Cup Final ball is specifically designed for the occasion.
Unlike the regular ball, the Naismith Trophy has been embedded in the ball as well as the date of the final, which is Sept. 10, and even the serial number.
The championship ball is also purely gold-plated.
“The BG5000 FIBA World Cup 2023 official game ball represents a perfect synergy of cutting-edge technology and the timeless essence of basketball. We made sure that the design and performance pay homage to the sport’s rich history which pushes the boundaries of what a game ball can achieve,” Noa Hasegawa, Molten’s head of marketing, said during the ball’s official launch on Monday night at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, Sonak Chief Executive Officer Anil Buxani and Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Willie Marcial joined Hasegawa in revealing the World Cup Final ball.
Sonak exclusively distributes Molten products in the Philippines.
Unlike the non-final ball, the special edition ball has been made available publicly, but only 1,200 pieces are up for grabs.
Filipino fans can avail of the ball only through Molten Philippines’ website at www.molten.com.ph. (PNA)
MANILA — Hosting the FIBA World Cup in 2023 has received exceptional feedback and praise for the Philippines.
Several factors contributed to its success:
Record Attendance: The tournament set a record for live attendance, drawing large crowds of enthusiastic fans.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: The sports facilities were modern and rich in history, providing an excellent backdrop for the competition.
Efficient FIBA Congress Handling: The FIBA Congress in Manila 2023 was managed exceptionally well, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.
First-Class Accommodations: High-quality hotels and transportation services were provided for participants and guests.
Effective Transportation: An efficient bus service transported players and staff between hotels and venues, maintaining a seamless schedule.
Round-the-Clock Security: Security measures were in place 24/7 to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Memorable Game Experience: Fans and players alike had a memorable experience, with thrilling matches and vibrant entertainment.
Comfortable VIP Areas: VIP lounges provided comfort and exclusivity to distinguished guests.
Entertaining Performances: Colorful and lively entertainment performances added to the overall enjoyment of the event.
Excellent Broadcast Coverage: The tournament received excellent television coverage, reaching a wide audience.
Detailed Organization: Both the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the FIBA World Cup 2023 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) demonstrated meticulous planning and execution.
Supportive Staff: The on-the-ground staff were accommodating and responsive to the needs of participants and visitors.
Prompt Issue Resolution: Concerns and issues were addressed promptly, ensuring a smooth tournament experience.
David Crocker, FIBA WC 2023 Executive Director, praised the Philippines for its exceptional hosting as the tournament entered its Final Phase. SBP President Al Panlilio and Vice President Ricky Vargas also acknowledged that the success of the event was largely due to well-organized hosting.
The FIBA Congress held in August was attended by prominent figures, including International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. Notably, the gate attendance for the opening day exceeded previous records, with passionate basketball fans showing tremendous support.
Online interest in the FIBA WC 2023 has been substantial, with significant audience reach and mentions across traditional and social media platforms.
As the tournament progresses to its Final Phase in Manila, organizers are confident that the momentum of success will continue until the championship game on September 10. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – South Sudan made history by booking a first Olympic slot in its first FIBA Basketball World Cup appearance.
The outright 2024 Paris Olympics berth came after Sudan beat Angola, 101-78, at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and New Zealand nipped Egypt, 88-86, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City in the Classification 17-32 Round.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s a dream come true. We became an independent country in 2011. No one ever imagined or dreamed of being in this position,” the 28-year-old forward Nuni Omot said.
“And now we’re going to have the chance to walk across the Olympic stage with our flag. It’s unbelievable everything that’s happened. Obviously, this is one of the most… I’m so emotional right now. It’s one of the best stories, sports stories that’s that’s came out in a long time. So I’m just I’m just very blessed to be a part of this.”
Point guard Carlik Jones, who plays for the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association, also became the first player to register three games of 10 or more assists in a single World Cup and tied the mark for the most assists in a game.
Against Angola, the 25-year-old Jones poured in 26 points, snatched 7 rebounds and dished out 15 assists.
It was the second straight game Jones flirted with a triple-double after tallying 17 points, 9 rebounds and 14 assists against the Philippines two days earlier.
There will be additional spots for the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for the Africa sides still in contention. As long as they do not finish among the bottom five spots in the tournament, they should make it to one of the 2024 qualifiers.
South Sudan became the third confirmed team alongside Paris 2024 hosts France and Australia.
There are five more automatic berths still up for grabs. (FIBA/PNA)
MANILA – China won for the first time in the FIBA World Cup after trouncing Angola, 83-76, in their classification game on Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
China turned the tides in the third quarter, outscoring Angola, 24-14, to break a 45-all halftime deadlock to take a 69-59 lead entering the fourth.
Angola brought China into a team foul penalty midway through the fourth period, but free-throw misses haunted them as China held on.
Hu Jinqiu led China – which gets some sort of advantage ahead of a potential Paris Olympics qualifier against Gilas Pilipinas on Saturday night – with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Kyle Anderson added 17 markers, seven boards, four dimes, one block, and one steal.
Childe Dundao made 17 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, and Bruno Fernando put up 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists for Angola, which closes out its campaign against South Sudan also on Saturday night. (PNA)
MANILA — Coach Chot Reyes expressed deep regret for Gilas Pilipinas’ winless streak at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The team suffered its fourth consecutive defeat in as many outings, with the latest being a 68-87 loss to South Sudan during the classification phase before a largely partisan crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, August 31.
What made this loss particularly disheartening for Filipino basketball enthusiasts was that it eliminated Gilas from contention for an automatic Paris Olympics qualification next year.
Reyes, visibly defeated after the loss, took full responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, stating, “I’ve said it numerous times. I’m genuinely sorry that we couldn’t deliver, and I bear complete accountability.”
When asked if the defeats served as a learning experience for Gilas, as he had previously mentioned in past tournaments leading up to the World Cup, Reyes responded with a definitive “no.”
He emphasized that this (2023) World Cup was the stage for the home team to execute rather than learn.
“No, this was no longer about gaining experience for us; it was a time for us to win and put our learning into action. This should have happened much earlier. This was the time for us to win and execute, and, as I mentioned, we didn’t get the job done,” Reyes lamented.
Even in defeat, Gilas could have still contended for the sole outright Olympic qualification spot for an Asian team if Japan had also lost to Venezuela. However, Japan secured an 86-77 victory, dashing Filipino hopes.
“Once again, it’s unfortunate. We knew this was the game we absolutely had to win because someone would secure the wins. That’s why I’m very, very disappointed. I wasn’t surprised that Japan won; that’s why I knew this was the game we absolutely had to win,” Reyes explained.
Despite the demoralizing loss, Reyes stressed the need for a swift recovery as Gilas still had a game against China to end their campaign on Saturday, September 2. Gilas aimed to salvage some pride with a victory, which would also affect China’s chances of outright Olympic qualification.
China, which defeated Angola to start its classification phase campaign, needed to beat the Philippines and hope that Japan lost to Cape Verde to increase its chances of finishing as the top Asian team in the tournament and securing the automatic Olympic qualification.
“Obviously, we’re very, very down. There’s nothing else to say, right? Morale is really low. Our task is to prepare everyone for the next game, and that starts with our mindset and emotional state,” Reyes emphasized.
He concluded by expressing pride in the team’s effort despite the challenging campaign. “I want to say that, as difficult and disappointing as this campaign has been so far, I’m still very proud of the effort. The guys gave their all and fought their best. Unfortunately, things didn’t go our way. All we can do now is focus on the next game. There’s one more game to be played. We’ll prepare as best as we can to put up a fight against China on Saturday.” (ai/mnm)
MANILA – A total of 16 teams advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup after the final day of first round action Wednesday night.
Moving on to the next phase are Brazil, Georgia, Greece, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Slovenia, Australia, Canada, Dominican Republic, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Spain and the United States.
Here are the groups for the second round:
Group I: Serbia, Dominican Republic, Italy and Puerto Rico
Group J: USA, Lithuania, Greece and Montenegro
Group K: Slovenia, Germany, Australia and Georgia
Group L: Canada, Spain, Brazil and Latvia
Teams carry their first round records into the second round where they will compete for quarterfinals berths. Two top teams of the four groups qualify for the final phase.
No team from Asia or Africa regions made it to the next phase but they still have chances to book a ticket to the Paris Olympics.
The 16 teams that did not make it past the first round will continue their campaigns in the Classification Round 17-32, with direct qualification for the Olympics and the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments on the line.
Race to Paris 2024
The World Cup directly qualifies seven teams for the Olympic Games, with host France receiving an automatic qualification.
The seven spots include two teams from the Americas, two teams from Europe, one team from Africa, one team from Asia and one team from Oceania.
The teams that advanced to the second round are already assured of an Olympic Qualifying Tournament spot but these are also well within reach for the teams in the lower half of the standings.
Eight teams are set to earn qualification through the classification round 17-32.
This includes the highest-placed team from each region of Africa, Americas and Asia/Oceania, after those directly qualified for the Olympics, regardless of the final position.
For Asia, Japan (1-2) has a slight edge over the other five Asian teams after winning against Finland.
However, their place is far from assured, despite all other teams being winless so far.
The Philippines and China will play each other in the newly-formed Group M, while Iran and Lebanon cross paths in Group P.
Jordan, who got close to beating New Zealand in the first round before falling in overtime, is bunched under Group N.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will conclude on Sept. 10 with the champions being crowned at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. (PNA/FIBA)
MANILA — Despite encountering another disheartening defeat on Sunday, Coach Chot Reyes stressed that Gilas Pilipinas remains fully committed to securing an automatic spot in the Olympics.
“We must direct our attention to the upcoming match. Our primary objective is to secure a place in the Olympics. Despite the faintness of that hope, it’s still very much alive,” stated Reyes after the team’s 80-70 loss against Angola on Sunday.
The situation for Gilas grew more complex as Japan achieved a significant 98-88 victory over Finland on the same evening.
Gilas is vying to become the highest-ranking Asian team in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
“We must maintain our spirits and find a way to deliver our best performance in the next game,” Reyes remarked after their defeat pushed the Filipinos to the bottom of the Group A standings.
Even if they manage to defeat the 10th-ranked Italy on Wednesday, the Filipinos are dependent on the Dominican Republic triumphing over Angola on Tuesday. Only then can the possibility of advancing to the second round be rekindled.
Regarding their Olympic aspiration, Gilas also holds out hope for the Akatsuki Five to stumble in their remaining Group Phase game against the world’s third-ranked Australia, and for no other Asian team to secure an initial victory.
“The hope is still there. We’re anticipating Japan’s loss in their final game and our victory in ours, resulting in a tie. The tiebreaker is uncertain, but ultimately, it will likely hinge on the outcomes of other matches,” Reyes explained.
“We don’t have control over that. At present, our sole focus is on the next match. We can’t afford to be preoccupied with external factors,” he added. (ai/mnm)
LAOAG CITY – The prestigious Naismith Trophy received a warm welcome at the Laoag International Airport on Monday, signaling the start of three-day tour around the province’s iconic sites around Ilocos Norte.
Joined by Filipino basketball icon and GILAS ambassador, Arwind Santos, the Naismith Trophy will be featured in key tourism areas of Ilocos Norte from Aug. 21 to 23. These include the Burgos wind farm, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Suba sand dunes, and Robinsons Place Ilocos.
“This is not just a provincial event. It’s a world event. The video shoot here will be shown worldwide and this is why we always put our best foot forward,” said Perry Martinez, head of the Metro Ilocos Norte Council, in a press conference held at the Ilocos Norte Capitol, following the FIBA team’s arrival at the Laoag airport.
On Aug. 23, the most coveted trophy which originally came from Spain will be displayed in public at the activity center of Robinsons Mall Ilocos.
With the Philippines serving as the main World Cup host this year, the Naismith trophy, named after basketball inventor James Naismith, has visited different tourism hotspots in the country since last week. The last stop is in Ilocos Norte until the games are held from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
While in Ilocos Norte, Santos expressed gratitude to both national and provincial officials for their support in hosting the FIBA event.
“We are so thankful for the all-out support and for having us here,” said Santos as he expressed hopes that more Ilocano youth will be enticed to play basketball.
For her part, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos thanked the FIBA organizers for considering Ilocos Norte as one of the stops of the Naismith trophy.
“We are honored to host you and we look forward to all the FIBA games. It must be exciting to watch as it will be shown on Cignal and everyone can enjoy watching the game wherever we are,” said Marcos, as she expressed hopes for the Philippine team’s victory in the FIBA World Cup. (PNA)
Gilas Pilipinas star Jordan Clarkson with ANTA Group Philippines Marketing Manager Mikko Abello, General Manager JP Paglinawan and Sports Marketing Associate Mais Cruz. (Photo supplied)
Gilas Pilipinas standout, Jordan Clarkson, has teamed up with ANTA for the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The 6-foot-5 former NBA Sixth Man of the Year has formally solidified an agreement to sport ANTA sneakers throughout the tournament.
The official signing event took place on Saturday at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, where Clarkson, alongside ANTA Group Philippines General Manager JP Paglinawan and ANTA Group Philippines Marketing Manager Mikko Abello, officially sealed the partnership.
Both ANTA representatives conveyed their enthusiasm about having Clarkson onboard, as his presence will undoubtedly elevate the brand’s profile, especially considering the attention that the former LA Lakers guard and the team will attract.
JP Paglinawan remarked, “The FIBA World Cup is unquestionably one of the premier basketball tournaments globally. Having one of the world’s top players showcase ANTA at this pinnacle of competition reaffirms our belief that our brand offers the finest basketball products on the market.”
Mikko Abello added, “We are thrilled that Jordan has chosen to don ANTA on the grandest stage of international basketball, particularly as the Philippines hosts this quadrennial tournament. This year is an exhilarating time for the brand, and Jordan’s participation adds an extra layer of significance.”
ANTA’s roster of endorsers already includes NBA champions Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving. As for Clarkson, discussions for a potential longer-term collaboration that could extend to the upcoming NBA season are currently in progress. (ai/mnm)
As the 29-year-old FIBA Basketball World Cup attendance record beckons to be shattered, and the renowned Philippine Arena aims to add another milestone to its illustrious history, Gilas Pilipinas is ready to take center stage.
The team will proudly step onto the grand stage of the 55,000-capacity Philippine Arena on August 25, followed by the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 27 and 29, with a singular focus – to defend its homecourt at any cost.
Rivals from distant lands will be converging upon the Philippines – Dominican Republic from the Caribbean, Angola from Africa, and Italy from fabulous Europe.
Placed in Group A, the Philippines faces the task of conquering at least two of these formidable opponents to secure their spot in the second round of the Group Stage. In the next phase, the top two teams from Group B, comprising South Sudan, Serbia, China, and Puerto Rico, eagerly await.
The anticipation for the tournament is soaring, with fans eager to witness history unfold.
The host nation has a singular chance to surpass the previous spectator record of 32,616, set during the 1994 FIBA World Cup championship between the United States Dream Team II and Russia.
The Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, will be the battleground where this epic attempt at breaking the record will take place.
The colossal Philippine Arena holds a standing gate record of 54,589 for a sporting event, established during Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals last January, making it an ideal venue for the upcoming basketball extravaganza.
On August 25, all eyes will be on the Philippine Arena, with the possibility of a local inter-agency task force declaring it a special public holiday to facilitate fans’ attendance.
While setting a new attendance record would be remarkable, the ultimate triumph for Gilas Pilipinas would be securing a victory over the formidable Dominican Republic, ranked 23rd in the world, with the support of a roaring hometown crowd. Such a win would infuse the team with invaluable momentum for their subsequent matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In the subsequent matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the iconic Sixth Man, the passionate Filipino basketball fans, will once again play a crucial role as Gilas Pilipinas faces Angola, ranked 41st, and Italy, ranked 10th in the FIBA standings. The support of the home crowd could provide the necessary fortitude for the team to excel, especially during challenging moments.
With its rich history, the Smart Araneta Coliseum has witnessed legendary sporting events, including the unforgettable “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975, and the 1978 FIBA World Championship. The atmosphere inside the packed arena has the potential to ignite the team’s performance and intimidate their opponents.
In previous editions of the FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas faced daunting challenges without the support of their home crowd and fell short in some closely contested games. However, this time, with the advantage of playing on home soil, the narrative could be different.
The fervent Filipino fans, armed with foam fingers, balloon sticks, placards, and posters, are ready to rally behind their national team. The desire for payback and the determination to protect their own turf will serve as powerful incentives and motivations for Gilas Pilipinas.
As the record crowd chants resound in both the Philippine Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum, one thing is clear: the team is determined to make a bold statement – NOT IN OUR TURF!
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(L-R) FIBAWC 2023 Joint Management Committee Head John Lucas, FIBAWC 2023 Chief Implementor & Master Planner Ramon Suzara, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and FIBAWC 2023 Deputy Event Director Erika Dy in the press conference for the FIBA Inter-Agency Meeting on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), on Wednesday, hosted the final Inter-Agency Meeting for the FIBA World Cup (FIBAWC) at the fabled Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The sports agency, which takes a vital role in the preparations for the event as the caretaker of the P1 Billion funding of the government, led 41 government agencies represented in the meeting in reaffirming their commitments to ensure the success of the high level event which expects to have NBA players among its participants.
“This assembly marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to ensure the success and excellence of the upcoming FIBA World Cup. With only 37 days before the Games, let us seize this opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, iron things out, and pave the way for an unforgettable hosting,” said Bachmann in his opening statement.
The sports agency chief added that aside from the financial backing of the national government, the PSC will also extend help in taking care of clearances and permits needed for sports and media equipment, which are anticipated to be brought into the country.
PSC facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila, and Philsports Complex in Pasig, which will be used in the World Cup will be spruced up and rehabilitated, which is also what the Department of Works and Highways (DPWH) said they are doing on roads leading to venues of the event.
“For this hosting, we are creating a Multi-Agency Command Center (MACC) here inside the RMSC for real-time monitoring of key roads, all venue surroundings, coordinated traffic management, and delegate transportation movement,” said FIBAWC Chief Implementor Ramon “Tats” Suzara, thanking the PSC for lending its facilities.
Scheduled to be held in the country between August 25 to September 10 and draw world-class athletes and spectators from all over the world, the event aims to be the most watched and most televised sports event in 2023.
“With the support of our President, let’s get our acts together and get things done two weeks before the opening on August 25,” concluded Malacañang’s Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Atty. Hubert Guevara.
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Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao has a strategic plan to make the most of the Philippines co-hosting the 2023 FIBA World Cup starting on August 25.
He aims to accomplish two goals simultaneously: preparing a shortlist of potential imports for the upcoming Season 48 of the PBA, set to begin on October 15, and utilizing the World Cup as an opportunity to scout for suitable imports.
Guiao acknowledged that the team has already started compiling a list of prospects, but no final decisions have been made yet. He expressed his intention to leverage the World Cup, which is being held in the Philippines, as a platform for scouting potential imports if a decision has not been reached by then.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, the 64-year-old Guiao anticipates fulfilling a role as a TV commentator during the World Cup. This dual role will afford him the opportunity to interact with elite players from various national teams, further enhancing his scouting efforts.
Acknowledging the challenge of finding an import who fits within the 6-9 height limit, Guiao emphasized the difficulty of securing such players in today’s basketball landscape. He mentioned that while a 6-7 import who fits the team’s requirements would be considered, the ideal scenario would be to find a 6-9 import. Guiao’s coaching expertise has already led Rain or Shine to clinch their second PBA title in franchise history during the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.
Thirdy Ravena, a member of the Gilas Pilipinas pool, acknowledges that his chances of securing a spot in the final 12 for the 2023 FIBA World Cup are evenly split (50/50).
However, this uncertainty will not deter him from dedicating his services to the national team and making the necessary sacrifices.
Despite recently concluding his third season with the San-en NeoPhoenix in the Japan B.League, the 26-year-old Ravena could have opted for a basketball hiatus.
Nevertheless, with the Philippines co-hosting the FIBA World Cup in August, Ravena admitted that he wouldn’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent his country on the international stage.
“I will never turn down the opportunity when the national team calls, even if it means sacrificing time with my family. I have an immense love for our country, and representing it is the highest honor in basketball for me,” Ravena expressed to One Sports’ Carlo Pamintuan.
As the younger brother of Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy shared that since becoming the first Filipino player enlisted as an import in the B.League, he has carried a mindset of proudly representing his country.
“For me, it’s about the bigger picture and the greater purpose. It’s about honor and not just representing myself but also my country, regardless of where I’m playing,” he explained. Ravena recently signed a new contract ensuring his return to the NeoPhoenix for the 2023-24 B.League season.
“Even before joining Gilas, being the only Filipino in Japan back in 2020, I already felt like I was representing the country. People don’t just see me as Thirdy Ravena, the player in the B.League; they see me as a Filipino player competing in Japan,” he added.
With the FIBA World Cup approaching in late August, Ravena is determined to give his all during practice and the scheduled tune-up matches, while hoping for the best.
“The World Cup being held in the Philippines is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Despite having slim chances of making the final roster, I’m ready to seize the opportunity, especially now that I’m in good shape,” Ravena emphasized.
“Even if it means sacrificing my rest during the summer, I will still take the chance to train and play in the World Cup. The motivation of playing in front of a hometown crowd gives me that extra drive,” he continued.
Gilas recently concluded the third of its scheduled four tune-up matches in Kaunas, Lithuania, suffering a 90-80 defeat against the host country’s Selection team on Tuesday night. (ai/mnm)
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The 78 GB data allocation in Gilas Power 399 pays homage to the year 1978 when the Philippines first hosted the prestigious tournament, then known as the FIBA World Championships. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup ended on a sad note on Saturday after it bowed to South Korea, 71-80, in the battle for fifth place at State Sports Centre in Sydney.
A show of might in the second and third quarters turned out to be enough for the Koreans as Gilas’ fourth-quarter comeback fell short.
After trailing, 18-19, in the first quarter, South Korea responded with a 26-15 second quarter before keeping in step with Gilas’ offense in the third to open a 66-55 lead entering the fourth.
Gilas started the final frame strong and came to within three, 68-71, with 4:32 remaining.
But Kang Lee-Seul fired a back-breaking three with 3:59 left that sparked South Korea’s endgame push to seal the win.
Park Ji-Hyun led South Korea with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists, and four steals, while Kim Dan-Bi added 14 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
Shin Ji-Hyun and Park Ji-Su each chipped in 11 points with Park also grabbing 16 rebounds for the double-double.
Afril Bernardino led Gilas with 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
California-born Filipino Vanessa De Jesus’ first stint with Gilas ended on a second straight playoff game struggle as she was held to just five points on 2-of-13 field goals, although she too had four rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Despite the defeat, Gilas’ sixth-place finish is its best since getting promoted to Division A in 2015.
Meanwhile, it’s going to be Japan versus China in the final after scoring blowout wins in the semifinals.
Japan crushed New Zealand, 88-52, in the first semifinal, while China took down host Australia, 74-60, in the other Final 4 tie.
New Zealand and Australia will first dispute the bronze on Sunday before Japan and China go at it for the championship. (PNA)