The FIBA World Cup Draw is an entirely different ballgame in itself.
The most important figures of FIBA will be in Manila on April 29 for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Draw. Yep, the Philippines is hosting that important event as well. Of course, knowing who’s grouped with who, and who’s going to go up against each other is a huge deal.
According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Sonny Barrios, the results of the draw will play a huge factor when coach Chot Reyes and the rest of his staff finalize which players will be included in Gilas Pilipinas’ World Cup roster.
“Once we identify [kung] sino ‘yung kagrupo natin, it’s homework time for coach Chot, Tim [Cone], and Jong [Uichico]… Iaangkop mo na ‘yung team mo doon sa kagrupo mo,” Barrios told former PBA commissioner Noli Eala on the sports program "Power and Play."
Whichever three countries the Philipines will be grouped with, it is going to be tough regardless. But hey, Gilas is expected to tough it out against the best of the best in front of the home crowd. With that, the SBP official pointed out one significant advantage the Philippines has going into the draw.
“There are eight groups of four. Normally, the top teams in each group are first tier teams, USA, Spain, etc… Now, as hosts, tayo ang ginawang ika nga ‘first tier’ team,” Barrios pointed out.
Hindi tayo nilagyan ng first tier team. ‘Yun lang ang kaunting ika nga biyaya sa atin,” he added.
Gilas needs to win at least two games in order to advance from the group phase. Whatever type of additional advantage is given to them, the nationals must make the most out of it, considering they are playing in home turf. But then again, the strategizing will all depend on how the group stage will look after the draw.