China not quitters, says Kyle Anderson as match vs Gilas Pilipinas looms

China’s Kyle Anderson. –Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Kyle Anderson knows China will have its work cut out for itself when the Asian heavyweights chase their goals in the 2023 Fiba World Cup’s classification stage.

Team Dragons’ 107-89 loss to Puerto Rico on Wednesday night sets up a clash with host Gilas Pilipinas in the classification round of the global showcase.

“It’s going to be an intense environment. They’re a really good team and they’ve got some good players over there and have their crowd on their side. It’s going to be a tough but fun environment,” he said shortly after the loss at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Anderson will be no stranger to the Philippines’ Jordan Clarkson, whom he’s had battles with dating back to their varsity days.

“I’ve been playing against him since college, so it’s always fun to go against him. And that’s one of my friends off the court, so it’ll be fun to compete,” said Anderson, who suited up for the UCLA Bruins.

Clarkson played for the University of Missouri Tigers.

Team Dragon and Anderson—who also goes by the Chinese name Kaier Li—will battle Angola first this Thursday before taking on Gilas. And it is through thatcontest that they hope to polish any cracks in their game in preparation for Saturday.

“I think we just have to look at how we can get better with this game and try to go out there and play hard the next game and figure it out. We need some time to prepare,” he said.

“We’re not quitters. We’re gonna keep fighting, I don’t think anyone in this team has any quit in them so we’re gonna keep going.”