PH joins China, Lebanon in Stankovic group

Smart Gilas-Pilipinas drew regional power China and an old nemesis in Lebanon in Group A in the fourth Fiba-Asia Stankovic Cup to be held Sept. 14 to 21 in Tokyo.

The Filipinos depart in 12 days, seeking a follow-up to a championship-winning performance in the Jones Cup in Taipei last Sunday where they humbled the United States, 76-75.

And coach Chot Reyes has until the end of office hours tomorrow to forward a 12-man lineup to Stankovic Cup organizers, and a heavy shake-up is expected, most especially if three PH pool members become available.

Jason Castro, Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes were all left behind in the Jones Cup stint because of various injuries. The three, though, are expected to be available for the 10-country event in Japan.

Uzbekistan and Macau-China round out Group A members, while India, Iran, Japan, Qatar and Chinese-Taipei make up Group B.

This will be just the second tournament for the second generation Gilas squad, which is being prepared for the Fiba-Asia World Championship qualifying slated next year. The Philippines is also bidding to host that event together with Lebanon and Japan.