Finishing touches as Gilas Pilipinas holds last practice before flying to China

Gilas Pilipinas holds last practice before leaving for China Thursday morning. | @MarkGiongcoINQ pic.twitter.com/vbiICGNqvy

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 28, 2019

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas on Wednesday held its last practice before departing for China for the 2019 Fiba World Cup.

Gilas leaves Thursday morning, two days before it opens its campaign against powerhouse Italy at Foshan International Sports and Cultural Center.

“Right now, we’re just putting the finishing touches and making the final adjustments,” said national team head coach Yeng Guiao Tuesday.

“Hopefully, we’ve done our best to be as ready as we can be.”

The Philippine team’s preparations faced time constraints due to the scheduling conflict with the PBA.

But despite the issues, team captain Gabe Norwood said the players were able to make the most out of the limited time.

“I’m excited more than anything. I think this group has really come together really fast in terms of chemistry.”

Gilas will have to bank on that chemistry and hope its outside shots fall against an Italy side led by NBA standout Danilo Gallinari and EuroLeague star Luigi Datome.

After a duel with the Azzurri, the Nationals take on another heavyweight in Serbia, one of the teams tipped to bag the gold, and its All-NBA First Team center Nikola Jokic on September 2 before facing Angola two days later.