Big Asian Games test for national basketball squad

Philippines’ Stanley Pringle, left, passes the ball during their game against Kazakhstan at the men’s basketball match at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

The Philippine campaign in the 18th Asian Games hits a high note on Tuesday when the hastily assembled national quintet takes on powerhouse China to boost its drive from a worst-ever seventh place finish four years ago in Incheon, South Korea.

Inspired by an impressive 37-point opening win over Kazakhstan last Thursday and expected to draw extra firepower from NBA regular Jordan Clarkson, the Filipinos try to get past the Chinese, who are playing their first game and are heavily favored to sweep Group D in the eliminations.

Even if they lose, the Filipinos are assured of passage in the knockout quarterfinals following their 96-59 manhandling of the Kazakhs, who are not expected to beat the Chinese when they collide on Aug. 24.

It would take a win by more than 37 points over the Chinese by the Kazakhs to nose out the Filipinos for the second qualifying slot in their bracket.

With two NBA veterans,—7-foot-1 Zhou Qi of Houston and 6-7 Ding Yanyuhang of Dallas—the Chinese are the heavy favorites over the Filipinos, who will be reinforced by Clarkson after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard was finally given permission by the NBA on Wednesday to compete in the Asiad.

Clarkson was later tapped as flag-bearer for the national delegation during the opening ceremony on Saturday.

“Before he (Clarkson) came over, we were listed as absolute underdogs,” said PH coach Yeng Guiao, who had just two weeks to form the nationals when the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas decided to send a team after all. “Now we’re just the slight underdogs and who knows maybe we can shock the world.”

With an upset over China, the Filipinos get an easy assignment in the knockout Final Eight against Thailand which nipped Mongolia, 87-86, in their battle for second place in Group A.

But a loss means a quarterfinal meeting with defending champion South Korea, which boasts of US-born star Ricardo Ratliffe, who is familiar to PBA fans. The 6-8 Ratliffe played for the Star Hotshots in the 2016 Governors’ Cup as last-minute substitute for Denzel Bowles.

With the withdrawal of UAE, Iran and Syria automatically advanced from Group B while Chinese Taipei and Japan loom as the top two bets in Group C.