Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes. –SBP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas is now fully focused on its first assignment in the Fiba World Cup–Karl Anthony-Towns’ Dominican Republic on Friday.
After Gilas Pilipinas’ 84-78 defeat at the hands of Mexico in a closed-door game at Philsports Arena, on Monday, national coach Chot Reyes bared that the squad’s number one focus at hand is their opening match against the Dominicans on Friday.
“It’s all Dominican Republic now… The next three days [of practice] will be all purely [for the] Dominicans,” said the top coach.
It will be a gargantuan task for the Filipinos as they will have to neutralize NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns of the Dominican Republic.
Towns will be a force to be reckoned with in the global tilt as he posted norms of 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Also included in the Dominican lineup are gunners Victor Liz, Andres Felix, Angel Luis Delgado, Jean Montero, Eloy Vargas and LJ Figueroa.
REST FOR CLARKSON
Gilas Pilipinas player Jordan Clarkson. –Jalin Morgan / Instagram.com/donthypeme
Before their marquee matchup with the Dominicans, Gilas played without naturalized player Jordan Clarkson.
The Gilas’ coaching staff and even Reyes, however, assured that the Utah Jazz guard just needed some time to rest.
“He just needed a rest,” said team manager Butch Antonio.
Still without a final 12 roster, Scottie Thompson led the Nationals with 14 points. Roger Pogoy and Dwight Ramos combined for 18 points with nine each while Jamie Malonzo and Kai Sotto posted identical eight markers to their names.