Gilas tackles Iran; China joust also pits Philippines vs Senegal

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas, minus some ace players, battles Asian rival Iran today in the second day of the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in Guangzhou, China.

The tournament serves as Gilas’ final overseas build-up for its anticipated FIBA World Cup campaign on Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

Game time is at 8 p.m. at the Heyuan Sport Gymnasium with the Filipino dribblers rekindling their rivalry against familiar counterparts while firing off their stint in the three-team pocket tournament hosted by China.

Senegal, which battled Iran yesterday, is the other team in the China joust as Lebanon backed out of the competition due to visa issues.

Without key players Scottie Thompson, Kai Sotto and Jordan Clarkson, Gilas did not waste time upon arrival in China on Tuesday, holding practice right away before another session yesterday to prepare for the Iranians.

Gilas has been through countless wars with Iran in the Asian stage, none bigger than the titular showdown in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship in Manila.

The Philippines then bowed to Iran, 85-71, but nonetheless qualified in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain to ignite three straight World Cup appearances, including this year with Japan and Indonesia as co-hosts.

Though without Clarkson, Sotto and Thompson, Gilas has Ray Parks, Calvin Oftana and Roger Pogoy on board this time in China after they missed the first overseas camp in Europe last month due to injuries.

Gilas, bunched with the Dominican Republic, Italy and Angola in the FIBAWC23 group play, is also without naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, making the team an all-Filipino unit led by six-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo.

After Iran, Gilas will play Senegal tomorrow. The Philippines will play the two teams this weekend for additional friendly matches with three weeks to go to the 32-team World Cup.

Upon returning home in Manila, Gilas is expected to be joined by Clarkson from the United States as it hits final gear with polishing tune-ups against teams that are arriving early, including Mexico.