PH U17 starts Fiba campaign vs Angola

DUBAI—The Philippines begins its final assault to the Mount Everest of world basketball as the Fiba U17 World Championship gets under way today.

Reaching the summit is no doubt a back-breaker for Batang Gilas, who will open their historic bid with African champion Angola at Al Ahli Arena here.

“Coming up with a good start is very important. We have to throw the Angolans out of their comfort zone early,” said Batang Gilas head coach Jamike Jarin.

Starters Mike Nieto, Jolo Mendoza, Ateneo’s Matt Nieto, FEU’s Richard Escoto and UP’s Paul Desiderio will anchor the team.

The Angolans have an array of quick-footed big men headed by the 6-foot-8 Silvio Sousa while wingmen Joao Jungo and Avelino Do, both 6-foot-4, will be a puzzle for Batang Gilas at the backcourt.

“This game is the barometer of how we’re going to perform in the entire tournament. Our main target is to get better every day. That’s what brought us here. Hopefully, the trend continues,” said Jarin, credited for the multiple junior titles the Ateneo Blue Eaglets won in the UAAP.

Jarin reached the pinnacle of success in the junior ranks when he steered Batang Gilas to the finals of the 2013 Fiba Asia U16 Championship in Tehran won by China.

They overcame bigger and taller teams from India and Kazakhstan and humiliated the host country by 27 points in the quarterfinals.

After their 3:45 p.m. (7:45 p.m. in Manila) collision against the Angolans, up next for the Filipinos are the Greeks on Saturday before taking a break on Sunday.