Delegation from Ivory Coast arrives in the Philippines ahead of the Fiba World Cup. –FIBB PHOTO
Gilas Pilipinas battles Ivory Coast on Friday night in a friendly that could pretty much provide a glimpse of the final roster that will play in the Fiba World Cup.
The Elephants—ranked 42nd in the global standings—will test national coach Chot Reyes and his crew that has been finally training at full strength.
Tip-off is at 8 p.m. and the game will be held behind the closed doors of PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
“This is the first time we’ll play as a complete team with Kai and Jordan [Clarkson],” Reyes said in a bulletin released by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Friday afternoon. “Ngayon lang natin makikita ang lahat na magkakasama.
FILE – Gilas Pilipinas during a game against Senegal in China. Photo from K Channy’s Instagram
Ivory Coast is one of the three teams that the Philippines will play against just before it plunges into action on Aug. 25 against the Dominican Republic.
The other two nations are Mexico, set to arrive on Saturday, Aug. 19, and Montenegro. The Black Mountain arrived in town shortly after Ivory Coast.
“World Cup is one week away but we’re still in preparation phase,” Ivory Coast head coach Dejan Pokic said.
“We’re trying to be the best we can to present the best team in our country, and basketball is a highly appreciated event.”
Reyes said he intends to use varying 12-man rosters for the tuneup games.