Gilas boys hope PH hosts 2019 FIBA World Cup for home court advantage

Gilas Pilipinas members look forward to the possibility that the 2019 FIBA World Cup will be held in the country - not just for the automatic qualification tournament, but also for the home court advantage.

FIBA recently announced that the Philippines is one of the two remaining candidates along with China, putting the country's bid one step away from a historic second hosting stint following the 1978 World Championship.

The national team recently experienced the power of the home court in the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013, with the Filipino fans cheering them on as they bagged the silver medal to punch their ticket to the 2014 World Cup in Spain.

"Naranasan na natin 'yan nung nanalo tayo against sa Korea. Every game talaga puno lahat," said Marc Pingris. "Nararamdaman mo 'yung pagmamahal ng mga Pilipino saka 'yung suporta nila sa atin."

Jeff Chan, meanwhile, said that automatically earning the right for a slot in the tournament if the country hosts will eliminate the pressure of going through the qualifiers.

"Nasa bansa ka, nasa bahay ka. Feel at home ka, 'yung pamilya mo hindi malayo," he added about the perks of playing in the country.

Paul Lee also agreed that the Philippines hosting the World Cup will make things easier for Gilas Pilipinas, but he said that the team's experience in Spain will be a huge factor in their campaign.

"Ang maganda ngayon, nakapaglaro na tayo, may experience na tayo sa FIBA World. Alam na natin 'yung gagawin," he said.

Gilas Pilipinas notched a historic win against Senegal in the World Cup last year to end 40 winless years for the country in the tournament. The team failed to advance in the round of 16, but impressed in the group stage with close losses to Croatia, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. - RAF, GMA News