New Zealand’s protection put a number of strain on Philippines playmaker Vanessa de Jesus. —PHOTO BY FIBA ASIA
Gilas Pilipinas’ run within the Fiba (Worldwide Basketball Federation) Girls’s Asia Cup got here to an finish on the wings of defeat on Friday however that wasn’t sufficient to shake nationwide coach Pat Aquino’s optimism on this system’s rising potential.
“The influence of what we did immediately is basically large,” he mentioned on the heels of an 83-78 loss to New Zealand at Sydney Olympic Park Sports activities Centre that value them a ticket to the semifinal spherical of the showcase and a slot within the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for the Paris Summer season Video games.
“As Afril (Bernardino) mentioned, it’s an enormous leap—an enormous step for us in making us aggressive and never simply [pushovers] right here … I really feel like with this efficiency, extra children again residence might be following us and aiming to be one in every of [the members of] the Gilas Girls’s basketball group.”
Since its promotion to Division A seven years in the past, the Philippines has all the time been taking part in for survival, discovering itself in relegation video games in every version of the match.
That every one modified final Wednesday, when Aquino’s fees took down Chinese language-Taipei, 92-81. However Friday’s outing, whereas it resulted in a loss, cemented the assumption that the Philippines actually belong at this degree, in keeping with Aquino.
“Our purpose was to actually compete and present that we belong. The win in opposition to Chinese language-Taipei is what is required for that, you realize. With that win, confidence is overflowing proper now,” he mentioned. “Being on this place now—[we realize how] a lot larger [things are] on the market.”
Jhazmin Joson proved worthy as afuture cornerstone of this system by stepping up her offense when wanted most. —PHOTO BY FIBA ASIA
After a sluggish begin, Gilas cleaned up its act within the center durations behind the candy taking pictures of Jhazmin Joson and Khate Castillo. Jack Animam dealt harm from inside to assist the Filipinos take a slim 69-68 lead heading into the ultimate body.
Males in Lithuania
However in opposition to a Tall Ferns squad taking part in a lot poise, the Nationals fell prey to fouls, errors and late frosty taking pictures.
“The composure was most likely getting low at the moment. I believe we made some essential errors in the long run and [gave] them extra fouls,” Aquino mentioned. “However we did that to ourselves. If we performed effectively or we performed composed … there was most likely one other manner of this sport.”
Joson and Afril Bernardino each completed with 15 factors, whereas Animam chipped in 14 extra whereas plucking down 11 rebounds.
“If we received this sport, it could’ve been one other [piece] of historical past for us. And that’s what we wish. I hope we don’t cease and [we] preserve pushing ourselves to the restrict, making our nation proud,” he went on.
In the meantime, the boys’s group arrived in Lithuania on Friday to proceed sharpening its sport for the Fiba World Cup that the Philippines might be cohosting on Aug. 25.
Nationwide coach Chot Reyes mentioned he’s happy with how his fees—significantly Scottie Thompson and Rhenz Abando—are progressing regardless of popping out empty-handed within the two friendlies the squad figured throughout its cease in Tallinn, Estonia.
“So many positives,” he mentioned. “Undoubtedly there are some negatives, too, the 2 most obtrusive are our rebounding and our lack of ability to start out sturdy. These are the 2 issues now we have to proceed engaged on sooner or later.”
Within the Kaunas, the Gilas mind belief is arranging at the very least 4 tune-up video games over the course of 10 days. Barring any modifications in plans, the Nationals might be taking over Ukraine first in a match scheduled this Saturday night time at 11 p.m. (Manila time).
Removed from sport form
“It’s apparent that we’re nonetheless very removed from being in any type of aggressive sport form however you realize, we’re not purported to be in sport form but at this level as a result of now we have to ensure that we peak on the proper time,” Reyes mentioned of the buildup which is being patterned from Gilas’ preparations in the course of the 2014 version of the World Cup.
“We don’t wish to peak too early and burn out in the long run. In order that’s all a part of the method. I’m very pleased. I’m very happy with the trouble. Positive, there’s a number of issues to work on however these are issues we knew coming in which are going to be a problem.”
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