Odds even in San Mig-Rain or Shine duel
ARE THE San Mig Coffee Mixers ready to win their first Grand Slam and gift coach Tim Cone an unprecedented second title sweep—and 18th PBA championship overall?
Two PBA coaches interviewed for this piece shared opposing views on which team will come out on top tonight.
“I believe San Mig will win tonight since history is on their side. It’s Grand Slam time. For sure the players will do everything to win. Plus there’s coach Tim,” said the first coach, who requested anonymity.
“Still, Rain or Shine can spoil the party if they come out with the same mindset they had in Game 4. Coach Yeng will have his hands full today. In the end, San Mig will win because of championship experience.”
The other coach gave Rain or Shine the edge tonight “because the Elasto Painters have the momentum. A big incentive is to spoil a team on a roll in its bid for a Grand Slam. Unlike San Mig, Rain or Shine does not have that much to lose, so they will not be as pressured.”
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Bernie Atienza of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said it is not uncommon in the Fiba Asia for teams to pull out of a competition at the last minute.
It happens all the time, according to Atienza. In the case of Uzbekistan, which pulled out of the Fiba Asia Cup just a few days before the July 11 opening in Wuhan, China, Atienza told the Inquirer he is not aware of the reason behind the withdrawal.
“But one thing’s for sure. Uzbekistan will be sanctioned heavily for this last-minute withdrawal,” said Atienza, who is recovering from second-degree burns on his left foot, where boiling water was accidentally poured.
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With Uzbekistan out of the 10-team roster, some adjustments had to be made since only four teams remained in Group B: Jordan, Chinese Taipei, Singapore and the Philippines.
“Some changes were made in the game schedules,” said online sports journalist Kali Quiñones. “Under the revised schedule, Gilas Pilipinas will now play Chinese Taipei on Saturday, July 12, Singapore on July 14 and Jordan on July 15.”
“Group A, composed of China, Iran, Japan, India and Indonesia, will stay intact.”
After the tournament in Wuhan, the national team flies back to Manila to play a fund-raising series with NBA stars on July 22 and 23.
The visiting NBA stars are led by 2014 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. Also joining the team are Paul Pierce, Damian Lillard, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry and Rick Johnson.
SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan said proceeds from the series will be donated to the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation.
The 12-man Gilas Pilipinas lineup that will play in the Fiba Asia Cup includes Gary David, Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, Jared Dillinger, Ranidel De Ocampo, June Mar Fajardo, Paul Lee, Beau Belga, Marcus Douthit and team cadets Garvo Lanete and Kevin Alas.
