Italy the team to beat in Gilas' FIBA group, says Chot

Set to take centerstage as the home team in front of expected sold-out crowds every game, Gilas Pilipinas is looking to make some noise in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

However, if the ultimate goal of getting the lone outright Asian olympic slot is to be achieved, the Philippines would have to first overcome tough battles in Group A against Italy, Dominican Republic, and Angola.

After their open practice last August 22, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes acknowledged the might that their opponents possess, particularly world no. 10 Italy.

Led by Jordan Clarkson’s Utah Jazz teammate Simone Fontecchio and former NBA players Luigi Datome and Nicolo Melli, Reyes asserted that the Azzurri are the team to beat in Group A.

Italy achieved a flawless 7-0 record, scoring wins against Brazil, Greece, and Serbia, in their impressive build-up ahead of World Cup,

“We know how strong Italy is. They’re a top 10 team, they’ve been playing together for a long time. They may only have one or two NBA players in their roster, but the other guys there—Datome, Melli—they’re really NBA caliber but they’re just opting to play in Europe. So they’re a very tough team, they’re the team to beat in our group no doubt,” said Reyes.

“For them to have a perfect slate in their tune up schedule is not surprising,” the Gilas mentor added.

Also equally dangerous is the Dominican Republic, who is led by Minnesota Timberwolves superstar and three-time NBA all-star Karl-Anthony Towns.

“Dominican Republic, as you know, beat Canada…they also played Spain in a very close match. If only KAT didn’t foul out in that last quarter, they might have been able to win that game. That is indicative of how good that team is,” asserted Reyes.

When asked what the game plan is to contain the Dominican superstar, Reyes jokingly said: “Secret. With a lot of prayer.”

Gilas mentor Chot Reyes shares how the team is preparing heading into their first game against a Karl Anthony-Towns led Dominican Republic.@gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/SrehogLGuL

— Juris (@Salvanera_Juris) August 22, 2023

Rounding out the group and not to be overlooked, world no. 41 Angola will look to score back-to-back World Cup wins against the Philippines. The 11-time AfroBasket champions are led by Atlanta Hawks center Bruno Fernando.

Gilas will open its campaign in the World Cup on Friday against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena, while they will face Angola on the 27th of August and Italy on the 29th.

—Juris Salvanera/JKC, GMA Integrated News