MVP wants Gilas Pilipinas to face US national team if PHL qualifies to Rio

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan could not help but think of a dream matchup between the Philippines and the United States if the national team qualifies for the Olympics in August.

Gilas Pilipinas faces a tough bracket in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament after getting grouped with France and New Zealand, but the basketball patron remains hopeful that the squad can punch a ticket to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nine teams already qualified for the Olympics, with USA bannering Group A along with two slots open for the winners of the three wild card tournaments. The remaining winner will be placed on Group B.

"Kung palarin tayo na manalo sa July," Pangilinan said, "sana mag-Group A tayo. I'd like to see the day the Philippines play the US."

The American team, which won the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics, will be composed of top NBA players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

The Philippines faced the United States in the 1978 FIBA World Championship in Manila, but no Filipino squad has clashed with a US national team bannered by NBA players since professional cagers were allowed to participate in major international tournaments.

Before the dream match can happen, however, Gilas Pilipinas has to get past France, New Zealand, Canada, Senegal, and Turkey in the Olympic qualifier in Manila.

"I'm always an idealist but with a very pragmatic point of view. So I would say we have a very good chance of winning. But we have to stay focused," Pangilinan said.

The long-time Gilas Pilipinas patron added that certain conditions must be created to give the national team the opportunity to win a slot to Rio.

"We have to send the best team possible, the crowd has to be in there," he said. "It is a unique opportunity for the Philippines to participate in the Olympics."

The Olympic qualifier will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on July 5 to 10. — RSJ, GMA News