New Zealand team captain Mika Vukona during New Zealand’s media availability on Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With a slew of NBA talents led by Tony Parker, France is an easy bet to win the Fiba Olympic qualifying tournament in Manila.
But for New Zealand, which is in the same group as France and host Philippines, Gilas Pilipinas could prove to be a tougher team to play with considering the circumstances.
Kiwi captain Mika Vukona believes the home court edge is going to be a vital factor in the Philippines performance in the qualifiers which begins on Tuesday.
“Every team, you should think, going into any competition, you can beat,” Vukona told reporters when asked if he sees Gilas as the beatable team compared to European powerhouse France.
“I think it’s going to be a lot harder to beat the Philippines just because, you know, it will be home court and the players that they have,” Vukona, who answered questions during New Zealand’s media availability on Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome, added.
The Kiwis kick off their campaign against the Filipinos on the second day of the tournament on Wednesday while Gilas takes on France on opening day.
“We haven’t really done any other scouting on the French team but right now, we’re more focused on the Philippines.”
New Zealand head coach Paul Henare is also bracing for a stiff challenge from the Philippines.
“I’ve just been telling the team that it’s going to be a very, very tough battle. Gilas has been playing some very good basketball over the last few years,” he said. “Obviously, picking up Andre Blatche has been huge and good for them to be able to get someone with his talent on the team.”
“They got great players across the floor, Castro has been around for a long, long time, Romeo has been playing some good basketball the last few games so we’re prepared for a very tough basketball but we’re also excited for what the event will bring and the excitement of the crowd and the Filipino people will bring to the game.”