Familiar World Cup group a double edged sword for Gilas, says Chot Reyes

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes isn’t too fond of playing familiar opponents in the Fiba World Cup.

And rightly so.

“It goes both ways. We know them and they know us as well, so there’s going to be a few surprises,” he said on Saturday night, shortly after the Draw Ceremony at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Philippines is drawn with Angola, Dominican Republic and Italy in Group A play will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan and then the Big Dome.

Gilas played Angola and Italy in the 2019 World Cup in China and came out empty-handed. The Nationals then played the Dominican Republic in the Olympic Qualifiers conducted in Serbia where they also lost.

So familiarity is hardly going to be a factor in the global meet that will pit the best in the planet beginning Aug. 25, the veteran coach said.

For now, Reyes is finding relief in having some sort of clarity on how to approach the next three months.

“The good thing is that now, we have some clarity on who we’re playing and what kind of preparation is necessary to beat our best come August,” he said.

“No. 10, No. 23, No. 41,” Reyes said of the Philippines’ group phase assignments. “Italy’s No. 10 in the World. Dominican Republic’s No. 23. And we’re basically tied with Angola.”

“I think that’s the best way to describe it,” he added.