ACID TEST FOR GILAS
After coming home with a bronze medal from the Fiba Asia Cup, there will be no rest for the weary as the Gilas Pilipinas plunge back into action but against an opponent of the highest order.
The Philippine men’s basketball team take on the NBA All-Stars-powered Fibr All Stars in the charity event dubbed “The Last Homestand” today at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Gilas defeated China by the skin of their teeth, 80-79, thanks to three made free throws by Paul Lee with no time remaining.
With just a day to rest and prepare, the national team will be locking horns against the likes of NBA All Stars Damian Lillard, Demar DeRozan, James Harden, Blake Griffin, Paul George and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
The Fibr All Stars will also feature Brandon Jennings, former slam dunk king Terrence Ross, Tyson Chandler, Ed Davis, Kyle Lowry and incoming rookie Nick Johnson.
For the Gilas, the two-game series is an opportunity to test themselves against athletically-gifted players as they prepare to compete in the Fiba World Cup in Spain next month and the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea in September.
Gilas point guard LA Tenorio said they consider these games a crucial part of their preparations ahead of the World Cup.
“We have to take it seriously for us to be ready for the Worlds,” Tenorio told Inquirer.net. “Hopefully, the players can help us improve on what we need to improve.”
Meanwhile, basketball skills development specialist coach John Lucas II will also arrive in the country for the games.
Proceeds of the charity event will go to the Philippine Disaster Recovery Fund, Caritas Manila and the MVP Sports Foundation. /With Inquirer.net