Team Philippines will have to play its best to have a chance of winning when it opens its 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said this before supervising the first practice sessions of Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson and members of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team behind closed doors on Wednesday night.
“Even if we give our best, it might not be enough, but for sure, if we don’t give our best, we have no chance,” said Reyes in a statement.
“So, let’s give ourselves a chance. Let’s go out there and play our best because if we’re not at our best, we won’t stand a chance against these opponents,” added Reyes.
The Philippine team came home Tuesday, hours after Gilas pulled off a 63-48 victory over Iran B to finish its campaign in the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament on Sunday at Xiaoqing Sport Center with three wins and a loss.
Clarkson arrived in the country earlier in the day.
For now, Gilas is heading into the final stretch of its World Cup preparations by playing tune-up games against Mexico and Montenegro.
Another key player, NBA hopeful Kai Sotto, is also expected be present in training this week.
“It’s challenging because when things are going well and we let up a bit, we lose momentum, and it shifts to the other team. We can’t just switch on and off that seriousness,” said Reyes of their coming games.