Gilas bigs take home valuable lessons after matchup vs Boban, Serbia
Photo from Fiba.com
MANILA, Philippines — There’s a reason why Serbian star Boban Marjanovic is a six-year NBA veteran and it’s not just because of his 7-foot-4 frame.
Gilas Pilipinas captain Isaac Go can attest to it after Marjanovic dominated in Serbia’s 83-76 win over the Philippines on Thursday in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia.
“You can see how he plays, he knows that he’s big and strong, he knows how to get to his spots, he knows how to use what he has to his advantage,” Go said in an appearance on The Game.
“He knew he was bigger and stronger than Kai (Sotto), he was taller than Ange (Kouame), and once he gets to his spot, he scores. So you can see why he’s in the NBA.”
Go just had brief brushes with Marjanovic as Kai Sotto and Ange Kouame took turns in checking the Dallas Mavericks slotman.
Taking the leading role for Serbia without reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic, Marjanovic showed his full repertoire on his way to a 25-point, 10-rebound night.
The 32-year-old Marjanovic, a three-time Serbian Super League MVP, scored eight of Serbia’s last 10 points to help fend off a gutsy fight by the young Filipinos.
“At the same time, you can see how he leads his team, he controls the defense, and he can pass the ball actually,” Go said.
Sotto also cherished his experience playing against the Marjanovic-led Serbia, which is ranked No. 5 in the world.
“It’s either you win or you learn. This time, learned a lot of things and thats a win for me. Grateful for this experience and thankful to be part of this amazing team.🇵🇭 #parasabayan #puso,” Sotto wrote on social media.
