Philippines draws Taipei, Jordan, Singapore and Uzbekistan in FIBA Asia Cup

The Philippines is part of Group B, along with Chinese Taipei, Jordan, Singapore and Uzbekistan, in the preliminary round of the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup, set for July 11-19 in Wuhan, China.

The tournament, formerly called the Stankovic Cup, has a berth at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship at stake.

In 2012, the Philippines finished fourth, losing in the battle for third to Qatar.

The Philippines’ men’s national basketball team, Gilas, played Taipei and Jordan in the preliminary round of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, falling to Taipei 84-79 and beating Jordan 77-71.

Group A contains hosts China, India, Indonesia, Iran and Japan.

In a press release, FIBA Asia Secretary-General Hagop Khajirian said, “The draw promises some great competition.

“The fifth FIBA Asia Cup is an exciting prospect. A mere look at the participating teams is proof for that.”

Khajirian also added, ““he 5th FIBA Asia Cup therefore is training ground for Iran and Philippines who are heading to Spain. The 5th FIBA Asia Cup is also the training ground for all other teams who are aiming to make a mark in next year’s FIBA Asia Championship.”

The top four from each group advance to the single-elimination playoffs.

Gilas hopes to have Brooklyn Net Andray Blatche, currently waiting out the final step of the naturalization process, among their ranks by then. - AMD, GMA News