BATTLES are won on the hardcourt, not on paper and tune-up games.
Although his charges scored a runaway 85-62 dumping of Ivory Coast last Friday in a closed-door scrimmage at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes is not one to fall into the traps of complacency.
“We played this game to prepare for Angola, but this is not the World Cup,” Reyes said.
“Angola plays defense. They really pressure the basketball. Their guards attack the rim.
They have strong, powerful big men.
“They’re very long and athletic, but I think the difference is that Angola has much better outside shooters than this Ivory Coast team,” he added.
The Filipino cagers kick off their bid in the global basketball showcase against the Dominican Republic on Friday at the Philippine Arena before taking Angola two days later at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Gilas ends its Group A stint against Italy on Aug. 29 also at the Big Dome.
The Philippine five clashed with world No. 18 Montenegro, bannered by Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic, last night in a closed-door tiff anew at the same Pasig-based venue.
In its final practice match, Gilas takes on No. 31 Mexico tonight, still behind closed doors.
Reyes wants his team to treat the ball like a precious gem.
“There were still some kinks offensively, the turnovers, kasi first time naglaro sila ng kumpleto ‘di ba?” Reyes posed after Gilas committed 18 turnovers.
“We have to keep working on that. But I was very pleased with the defense, especially sa second half. Trinabaho talaga namin iyon sa Europe and sa China.”
Center Kai Sotto suited up for the first time for Gilas in its build up for the World Cup that pleased Reyes no end.
“Well, makikita mo na hindi pa siya 100 percent, pero he really makes a difference,” Reyes said.
“Nakakatulong talaga siya. He adds much needed depth to the team. Hopefully, his back holds up. We have two more games before opening night.”
Ivory Coast tactician Dejan Prokic gave Gilas plaudits and maintained it has what it takes against the Angolans.
“The Philippines is a very good team, (Jordan) Clarkson is an exceptional player,” he said.
“They have a very good coach, they used what they have, they’re quite bigger than us and today they used it a lot. So, I think Angola should not be a question.”
