Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes after the Philippines’ coaching on Tuesday night time.
MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas spent a lot of its open observe on Tuesday with a selected opponent in thoughts: the Dominican Republic.
“[The] Dominican Republic, as you all know, beat Canada and Canada beat Spain. (The) Dominicans additionally fought Spain to an in depth match,” nationwide coach Chot Reyes stated shortly after the session at PhilSports Area that was lastly made accessible to members of the native press.
“As you see as we speak, we spent the whole [session] simply being prepared for the Dominicans,” he went on.
The Dominicans are ranked twenty third in Fiba’s world rankings however that ranking could not be correct to at the present time.
The Carribeans dropped their first two video games however they’ve grow to be a extra ferocious lot after the arrival of the Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Cities.
The NBA star was large within the stunner in opposition to the No. 15 Canadians and within the loss to the Spaniards, who’re the defending champions of the quadrennial occasion.
“If solely KAT didn’t foul out within the final quarter, they might have been in a position to win that sport as properly. That’s indicative of how robust that crew is,” Reyes stated of the Dominicans whom the world No. 40 Gilas will battle on opening night time on the huge Philippine Area this coming Friday.
“Once more, [that’s] a crew that’s been collectively for some time and so they have a few NBA gamers—one reliable All-Star in Cities,” Reyes added.
Backstopping Cities within the Dominicans’ bid is Lester Quinones, who performs for the Golden State Warriors.
“Our first sport is in opposition to you. It is going to be noisy,” the guests’ head coach Nestor Garcia instructed reporters shortly after arrival on Monday night time.
“They obtained shooters, they run the court docket, they obtained large guys. They attempt to assault each time. They’re an aggressive crew and we respect them so much, the Philippines,” he added.
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