Filipinos draw tough Fiba U17 bracket

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines Under-17 team was bracketed with two former champions but the young Nationals welcomed the challenge in the Fiba U17 World Championship slated Aug. 8 to 16 in Dubai.

Mentored by Jamike Jarin, the Philippines found itself in Group A with the United States, Angola and Greece after the drawing of lots Wednesday, also in Dubai.

“No matter what the results will be, it’s how we’re going to compete that’s important,” Jarin told the Inquirer Thursday.

“Any group that has the world’s basketball superpower is the toughest. But we were really hoping that we get bracketed with Team USA. At least we’re given a chance to play against the best.”

The US topped the Fiba America U16, while Angola also emerged as Fiba Africa champion. Greece picked up the bronze in the Fiba Europe competition.

Just like its men’s counterpart, the U17 squad faced tough odds but surprisingly clinched a silver in the Fiba Asia U16 Championship in Tehran last October to advance to the world stage for the first time.

Jarin said the Nationals will head to the US for a two-week training at the Joe Abunassar cage camp in April before joining the preseason college tournaments.

China, which beat the Philippines in the Fiba Asia U16 finals, will go up against Argentina, Serbia and Egypt in Group D.

Fiba Europe champion Spain will square off with Puerto Rico, Italy and host United Arab Emirates in Group C, while Japan, France, Canada and Australia will battle in Group B.