IT’S been a while since Gilas Pilipinas and its faithful enjoyed a “home party” in a FIBA gig.
The last one happened back in December, when the Nationals hammered out a 95-71 conquest of Guam at the Blue Eagle Gym for their second match in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers’ (WCQ) Round 1 opening window.
Their last two outings on home soil — for the third window of the WCQ — saw the Filipinos losing to New Zealand (66-69) last Feb. 26 and Australia (66-93) three nights later, both at the SM MOA Arena.
Now as they proceed to Round 2 hostilities later this month, the charges of coach Tim Cone get their chance to give home supporters another treat.
With the Philippines awarded hosting rights for all Group E matches in the fourth window at the MOA Arena, Gilas will relish home court advantage when they play Jordan on Aug. 28 and Iran on Aug. 30.
The twin assignments will be critical in the Pinoy cagers’ drive for a ticket to next year’s global extravaganza.
After the first round hostilities, Mr. Cone’s troops sit at fifth in Group E with eight points on two wins and four losses — outside the qualifying cutline.
The undefeated Boomers, with 12 points on a perfect 6-0 card, lead the six-team bracket followed by the Iranians and the Jordanians with identical 11-pointers off 5-1 records and the Tall Blacks (10 points on 4-2) who are two markers ahead of the Philippines. Syria also sported eight points on 4-2.
“Very crucial games for us,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy. “Hopefully we’ll get the full support (from the crowd).”
Gilas will play Iran, Jordan and Syria twice, looking to string up victories to propel them to the Top 3 of Group E to gain outright entry to the WC. If not, it can still qualify if its finishes as the best fourth-placer versus the No. 4 finisher in Group F, which features Lebanon (11 points), Japan (10 points), WC host Qatar (10), Saudi Arabia (9 points), South Korea (9 points) and China (9 points).
Gilas is beset with player unavailability with Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips doubtful. June Mar Fajardo has expressed his intention to retire from the national quintet but was prevailed upon to still join the likes of Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao for this mission.
“We certainly have our issues,” said Mr. Cone. “But we still have (the rest of the guys) and we’re going to put up a fight here.” — Olmin Leyba