The Philippines is set to face an old rival in the first phase of the FIBA Asia tournament this year, but the national team has high hopes they will be able to sustain their excellent performance in the SEABA tournament, which they won undefeated.
Gilas Pilipinas is slated to face China’s seven-footers in the first round, after the Philippine national team was designated in Group B of the tournament to be held in Lebanon.
The Chinese clinched the top spot in last year’s FIBA Asia, after they defeated the shorter but courageous
Gilas Pilipinas team, which settled for second place.
Also in Group B are Iraq and Qatar.
The top three teams in each of the four divisions will advance to the next round.
