JOHNSON Jerru of Kazakhstan (center) PBA IMAGES/NUKI SABIO
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine team head coach Chot Reyes said it again, Kazakhstan, the Filipinos’ next target, is a dangerous team.
Even before the tournament started, Reyes has been wary of Kazakhstan, and he knows it’s going to take their “best” to cross out the Kazakhs as they figure in make-or-break quarterfinals tiff on Friday.
They face each other at 8:30 p.m. as the knockout phase of the 27th Fiba Asia Championships begins.
Kazakhstan, though, hasn’t showcased its best self yet in the Asian Championships, taking tough blows from contenders Iran, 53-85, and Korea, 47-71.
The Kazakhs’ most impressive game was in a 67-73 setback to a China squad which likewise didn’t have a great preliminary round.
But Reyes is not looking past the fact that the Kazakhs have decent perimeter shooting and a quick and sly guard in Jerry Johnson.
“We know how dangerous Kazakhstan is. They’re tall great shooters, and [have a] great point guard,” said Reyes after the Philippines defeated Hong Kong, 67-55.
The Filipinos faced Kazakhstan in an exhibition game ahead of the tournament, and won 92-89.
The biggest help the Philippines got out of it, though, was getting a good, up close scouting report on the Kazakhs.
“They’re the team we knew least about and we had an opportunity to play them. But that tune up right now doesn’t mean a thing. I’m sure both teams have forgotten that already. It’s a brand new ball game,” Reyes said.
The biggest challenge for Gilas Pilipinas is for naturalized center Marcus Douthit to get back in tip top shape, and ready to bear extended minutes on the floor with a sore leg.
“It affects his explosiveness, his quickness to the ball. With injuries like that, the problem is the soreness,” said Reyes.