Manila, Philippines—The Philippines got bundled into a tough pool in the Fiba Under 19 Basketball World Cup to be held in Greece from June 29 to July 7.
Joining the Filipinos in Group C are Argentina, Greece, and Russia, all of which are in the top 20 of the Fiba Boys ranking.
Batang Gilas is ranked no. 30 in the world and earned its spot in the World Cup after finishing fourth in the Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship in Thailand.
Argentina is the highest-ranked team in Group C at ninth with host Greece at no. 15 and Russia at the 12th spot.
The 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto, who was named MVP of the UAAP Season 81 juniors’ basketball tournament, is expected to lead the Philippines with Filipino-Brit big man AJ Edu, Dalph Panopio, and Dave Ildefonso.