CHINA should be a cause of concern for the Gilas Pilipinas squad still groping for form more than a week before it opens its campaign in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
But interim national coach Tim Cone trusts his charges to get there in time.
“We’re trying to implement a lot of stuff, so there’s a lot of confusion at the moment,” Cone said. “We’re not good right now. If we’re playing the Asian Games tomorrow, wow, look out! We’re not going to be very good.
“In another week and a half, 10 days, 12 days I think we’re going to be where we want to be,” he added.
The Filipino cagers held a joint practice session with their Gilas women counterparts yesterday that was opened to fans at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Pat Aquino-mentored Gilas women squad is set to do battle in the Asiad for the first time.
Afril Bernardino, Khate Castillo, Janine Pontejos, Chack Cabinbin, Andrea Tongco, Katrina Guytingco, Malia Bambrick, Stef Berberabe, Kailah Oani, Monique Del Carmen, and Cielo Pagdulagan banner the Filipina dribblers.
Gilas is set to leave for a training camp tomorrow, Saturday, at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
Cone’s wards will also take on Korean side Changwon SG Sakers in a tune-up game on Sept. 22.
Led by naturalized players Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame and Mo Tautuaa, the 12-man Philippine five will also be bolstered by World Cup holdovers Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, and Roger Pogoy.
Completing the Gilas quintet are returning standouts Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo, newcomer Jason Perkins, Calvin Oftana and Chris Newsome, while Stanley Pringle will serve as an alternate.
Cone is not pushing the panic button, convinced they will have what it takes when they launch their drive against Bahrain on Sept. 26.
“We don’t have to be good today, we don’t have to be good tomorrow,” Cone said. “We’re just trying to work to be good, taking the day-to-day process, trying to elevate our game, elevate our understanding (of the system).”
Pooled in Group C, Gilas will also clash with Jordan, which will parade reigning PBA Governors’ Cup best import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as naturalized player, and Thailand in the group play.
