Tab Baldwin during Gilas Practice. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
It’s less than a hundred days to go before Gilas Pilipinas takes on European power France in the Rio Olympics Qualifiers and head coach Tab Baldwin knows their first match in the tournament will immediately put them to the test.
Baldwin on Monday began the first steps to breaking down France’s defense and the familiarity the team got in their tune-up game against the Le Bleus for the Fiba World Cup is vital for their July 5 match at Mall of Asia Arena.
He added he has game tapes of France in their friendly and in the Fiba World and Euro.
“I’ve got plenty of ammunition there,” Baldwin said of the footage.
As for Tony Parker, however, Baldwin has still yet to make a solid defensive scheme.
“I don’t have with Tony Parker yet so there’s work to do and we have to look into the annals.”
An added bonus to the Filipinos’ familiarity with France is Vincent Collet, the head coach of the French national team since 2009.
“It’s the same coach so it will give us a little bit more insight on how they play as a unit,” Baldwin said.
Stillm 96 days before the tournament gives Baldwin some time to polish the team before heading out to the tournament.
“Right now we have other things to do on the court, eventually we’ll have video sessions in lieu of practices.”