Exciting Showdown at Philsports Arena
The visiting Taiwan Mustangs will test the mettle of the Gilas Pilipinas team bound for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Monday. The two teams will battle it out at 6 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in a friendly match open to the public, courtesy of the Samahang Basketbol the Filipino (SBP).
Preparation for the Olympic Qualifiers
Gilas Pilipinas just concluded their closed-door training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna as they gear up for the July 2-7 Paris Olympic qualifier in Latvia. This match against the Mustangs will be their only tune-up game on home soil before heading to Europe.
Taiwan Mustangs Roster
The Mustangs are currently competing in The Asian Tournament under the guidance of former Rain or Shine mentor Chris Gavina. Their lineup includes ex-PBA players Alex Cabagnot and Rashawn McCarthy, along with their import, veteran 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara.
Though the Taiwan-based team secured the playing rights for former NBA stars Dwight Howard, DeMarcus Cousins, and Quinn Cook, these players won’t suit up for the Mustangs until the end of the month.
Challenges for Gilas Pilipinas
Head coach Tim Cone faces the challenge of managing an incomplete roster due to injuries. Scottie Thompson, AJ Edu, and Jamie Malonzo will entirely skip the tournament, making the upcoming matches even more crucial for the team’s preparation.
European Tour and Match Schedule
Following the match against the Mustangs, Gilas Pilipinas will leave for Europe on Tuesday for a pair of exhibition matches. They will play against Turkey on June 27, followed by Poland on June 29.
Olympic Qualifiers Schedule
After their European tour, Gilas Pilipinas will proceed to Latvia for the qualifiers. Their schedule is as follows:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| July 3 | Latvia | Latvia |
| July 4 | Georgia | Latvia |
These matches will be pivotal for Gilas Pilipinas as they aim to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics.
Conclusion
The friendly match against the Taiwan Mustangs will serve as an essential test for Gilas Pilipinas as they finalize their preparations for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Fans are encouraged to support the national team at the Philsports Arena, marking an exciting moment for Philippine basketball.(FADA888)