Long shot to Paris

FIBA secretary-general Andreas Zagklis himself once said “bilog ang bola,” referring to the unpredictability of the outcome in a basketball game. So in evaluating the probability of Gilas surviving the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia, in July, you can’t totally rule out a surprise finish. Of course, the odds are extremely daunting. The chances are slim or none. But playing the game isn’t just all about winning. It’s showing up on the court, ready to give your all, no matter the obstacles. Representing your country proudly on the global stage is a serious matter and whether you win or lose, what really counts is how you wear your national colors.

The Philippines was recently drawn with Latvia, Georgia, Brazil, Cameroon and Montenegro in the same OQT bracket. There are four brackets of six teams apiece. Only the winners of each bracket will advance to the Paris Olympics where 12 teams are participating. Assured of Paris tickets are host France, South Sudan, Canada, the United States, Japan, Germany, Serbia and Australia. Aside from France, the seven qualifiers made it through the recent FIBA World Cup as the best countries from their regions. Japan was Asia’s top placer with Lebanon, Philippines, China, Iran and Jordan ranked behind in that order.

The six teams in Gilas’ bracket were split into two groups of three. The Philippines, Georgia and Latvia are in Group A while Brazil, Cameroon and Montenegro are in Group B. The top two finishers of each group will move up to the semifinals on a crossover basis where No. 1 battles No. 2 with the winners disputing the lone Paris ticket in the final. Gilas’ first game will be against host Latvia on July 3 then it faces Georgia on July 4. The semifinals will be on July 6 and the final on July 7. Assuming the Philippines finishes first in its group, Gilas will then meet Group B No. 2, likely to be Brazil since Montenegro is expected to breeze. Clearly, the road to Paris will be rocky for Gilas.

Latvia finished fifth in the recent FIBA World Cup with wins over Lebanon, France, Spain, Brazil, Italy and Lithuania. Boston Celtics 7-2 center Kristaps Porzingis couldn’t play in the World Cup but should be ready