FILE–Tip off between Gilas Pilipinas and South Korea during the Fiba Asia Qualifiers. FIBA ASIA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas gutted out a couple of close wins over South Korea in their previous two meetings last year that added another chapter to their storied rivalry.
Less than three weeks from now, the two sides meet again twice in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where a familiar face will be out for redemption.
“I actually watched the two games [where we were] beaten by the Philippines in 2021,” said South Korea’s Kim Sun-hyung, who makes his national team return in the qualifiers, on the Fiba website.
“Now is the time for revenge. I am ready and confident about beating them in the two games.”
The 33-year-old Kim had been part of may battles against the Philippines including the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship in Manila where Gilas Pilipinas beat South Korea in dramatic fashion to end a 36-year drought in the World Cup.
“Games against the Philippines have always been very tight,” said Kim, who was part of the South Korean side that won the gold in the 2014 Asian Games.
“I remember that in 2013, the home fans were very passionate and the Philippines players were very dynamic,” he recalled.
The World Cup Asian qualifiers will take place from February 24 to 28 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Gilas, with Chot Reyes back to call the shots, and South Korea meet twice—on February 24 and 28.