Gilas Pilipinas Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas put the international basketball scene on notice after putting up a valiant fight against world no. 5-ranked Serbia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

The Philippines fell short, 83-76 in a game wherein coach Tab Baldwin’s troops gave a great challenge to the host country.

No less than Serbian head coach Igor Kokoskov credited Gilas for how well they played, pushing his side to the limit.

“I would like to congratulate the Philippine team for playing really good, playing together as a unit, coach Baldwin was doing a great job, dear friend of mine. I think he’s doing an awesome job and I’m happy for him,” Kokoskov said. “The team play really together and they were competing.”

Serbia played the game undermanned, with a shoulder injury to Vasilije Micic. Nemanja Blejica and Nikola Kalinic both did not suit up either, while Stefan Jovic was injured late in the game.

The former Phoenix Suns head coach also described the win as a “tough game”, adding that his team, which is already missing notable NBA players, is relatively new.

“We’re a new team, a lot of new faces, we were missing some guys tonight, but I think at this point, we are thinking too much. I think we don’t play, we don’t have that flow. Basketball is a game of reaction, and we don’t react too much,” he said.

Gilas managed to battle toe-to-toe against the powerhouse squad, even leading 74-73 halfway in the fourth although missed opportunities costed them the game.

Boban Marjanovic’s towering presence helped Serbia, as the 7-foot-4 center scored 25 points and hauled down 10 rebounds.

“But overall, the goal is to win a game, so we won the game. It wasn’t cute, it wasn’t pretty, but we got it done,” Kokoskov mentioned. “Keeping composure, you don’t have a choice. That’s something you have to find a way. We’re a new team … It is what it is.”

Danilo Andjusic, who had 12 points and six boards in the contest, also went on to speak highly of the nationals, which factored in how the home side did not start with the expected rhythm from them.

“First of all I want to congratulate the Philippines on a great game. They played a really good game tonight. Honestly, we didn’t show from the beginning a good game, a rhythm, and that’s why we had a close game,” he said.

“We should be much better in defense first of all, and to find a great rhythm on offense so we can play more easily in the game. We need to find that flow and fight. At the end of the day, we won the game. We know our goal, to win the tournament and to go the Olympics, that’s what’s important at the moment.”

Gilas will play Dominican Republic, which Serbia defeated, 94-76, for a chance to compete in the tournament semi-finals.

Written by Levi Verora Jr.
Photos from FIBA