Smart Gilas seen to face gruelling battles in Fiba quarters

Photo by Nuki Sabio, PBA

MANILA—The tough grind starts in the quarterfinals.

That’s the assessment of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas when Smart Gilas Pilipinas opens its campaign in the Fiba Asia Champions Cup starting this Saturday at the Philports Arena in Pasig City.

Bracketed in a less formidable group, the Nationals are expected to cruise through the eliminations before going up against favored contenders Lebanon and Iran.

According to SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, top players will see action in the tournament, including 7-foot-2 NBA veteran Loren Woods, who’s listed with Lebanon.

“[Lebanon] also has three or four of its national players in, while Iran has won the last four Champions Cups with two different ball clubs,” Barrios said in the PSA Forum, on Tuesday, at Shakey’s UN Avenue in Manila.

“It’s a good thing we didn’t land in the same bracket as theirs.”

Smart Gilas will mix it up with Malaysia’s Dragons, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, Iraq’s Duhok Sports Club and Jordan’s Applied Science University in Group A.