Gilas needs to address ‘slow start’ in games

GILAS Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes pointed out that the players and the coaching staff need to immediately address the team’s “slow starts” in the game if the Filipinos want to stand toe to toe against tough squads in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which the Philippines is co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia starting August 25. 

The Philippine men’s basketball team huddles at mid-court during a practice session in Guangdong, China on Thursday, July 3, 2023. SBP PHOTO

Tentative on offense and a step late on defense, Gilas Pilipinas fell by five points midway in the opening quarter while allowing Iran’s B team to score 23 points in the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament Thursday night, August 3, at Heyuan Sports Gymnasium in Guangdong, China.

The Filipinos, however, settled down on offense and tightened their defense in the second and third quarters to pull away. Iran, however, rallied in the final period to make the loss respectable at 65-76.

“It was a bad start and a very bad finish for us,” Reyes said.

“I thought we played only a good second and third quarters. We played well in middle part of the game. But we need to start games better and finish better.”

Although Gilas Pilipinas got the production needed from Jamie Malonzo, who led the team with 11 points and six rebounds; Dwight Ramos and Calvin Oftana, who had 10 each; and young big man AJ Edu, who came through with nine points and the same number of boards, Reyes still can’t help but express his “disappointment.”

“I’m very disappointed with the way we finished the ball game,” said Reyes, pointing to Iran’s 14-3 run in the final quarter that saw Gilas’ once imposing 22-point lead whittled to just 11 heading to the final three minutes.

The outspoken Gilas mentor said lessons must be learned quickly since they can’t afford to show the same effort when the Philippines takes on a bigger, more athletic Senegal squad on Friday night at 8 p.m.

“Senegal is a very big, strong and tall team,” Reyes said. “It’s going to be a big challenge for us, that’s why I wanted to rest some of my guys in the fourth quarter to prepare for the game.”

The Senegal five won’t be part of the 2023 FIBA World Cup after bowing to South Sudan for the last African slot in February.

The 2021 FIBA AfroBasket bronze medalist is using the Heyuan tournament to prepare for the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament set this August 12 in Lagos, Nigeria.Gilas Pilipinas is using the China pocket tournament as part of its final buildup for the FIBA World Cup.

The Philippines will take on the Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.