Gilas Pilipinas Basketball

Dejected and all after what has been a disappointing FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 campaign so far, Gilas Pilipinas will try to gather themselves for one final time against China on Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Philippines played its worst game of the World Cup at home on Thursday, getting blown out by South Sudan, 87-68.

In the process, the hosts let their Olympic dream via the World Cup route fade away.

“We played our worst game when it counted the most,” head coach Chot Reyes said.

“It’s unfortunate that this is the time for us to shoot below 40 percent from the field. We couldn’t make shots. I guess that’s the story.”

Reyes took full responsibility for Gilas’ latest setback as the squad fell to 0-4 in the tournament, saying that they were supposed to win games in the biggest hoops stage.

“I’ve had (said sorry) numerous times. I’ve already said that sorry we were not able to deliver. I take full accountability. I take full responsibility,” Reyes said.

“This was the time for us to win, to execute. The learning was supposed to happen way back. This was the time for us to win and execute. Like I said, we didn’t get the job done.”

In contrast, Japan has already almost booked the Asian ticket for the Paris 2024 Olympics after beating Venezuela.

“Unfortunate. We knew that this was the game we absolutely had to win because somebody would get wins. That’s why I’m very, very disappointed. I’m not surprised Japan won,” Reyes furthered.

“That’s why this was the game we really absolutely had to get. We lose our Olympic dreams for now, for this World Cup.”

As heartbroken as the entire team is, Reyes said they will try to rally themselves for one final time against China — a game with implications on the final standings in the World Cup and one that could put the Philippines in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

“We are very, very down. There is nothing else we can say. The morale is really low. Our job now is to get everyone ready for the next game and that has to start with our emotional mindset and ‘heartset’,” Reyes said.

“The only thing we can do now is focus on the next. There is one game left to be played.”

Written by Levi Joshua Verora Jr.
Photos from fiba.basketball