Coaches: FIBA Asia no walk in the park

MANILA, Philippines — It will be no walk in the park.

This was the consensus among the coaches of national teams competing in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships here on August 1-11.

Speaking in the pre-tournament press conference at the Mall of Asia Tuesday, July 30, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes told members of local and foreign media that every game is going to be a tough game.

“It [FIBA Asia Championships] is really difficult. There is not going to be one easy game,” Reyes said. “Any team can beat any team.”

Together with officials of Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and China, the Filipino mentor acknowledged the higher level of competition this time.

“Aside from the quality of teams competing, there is also a tremendous quality of coaches. I don’t think we’ve ever seen a quality as high as this at our level,” added Reyes, who is handling the national team in the FIBA Asia Championship for the second time.

Asian powerhouse Iran’s head coach echoed Reyes.

“It’s a very good but very tough competition for all of us,” coach Mehmed Becirovic said.

Powerhouses

Meanwhile, China, another team entering the competition as favorites, confirmed they will be bannered by stars Wang Zhizhi and Yi Jianlian.

“They’re looking good so far. One week ago, Yi Jianlian had muscle problems,” shared team leader Zhang Xiong. “We hope by the first few games he could be in tip-top shape for the important matches.”

Iran and China are grouped with South Korea and Malaysia in the bracket considered this year’s “Group of Death.” 

“We really are in a tough group but it’s not important,” Becirovic stressed. “What is more important is the latter stages.”

Homecourt advantage

Kazakhstan, on the other hand, recognizes the homecourt advantage Gilas has, noting that this basketball-crazy country with a population of more than 90 million would be hard to deal with on the court. 

“I think the Philippines is one of the teams to beat because of the quality of the team and the passion of the crowd,” Kazakhstan coach Matteo Boniciolli told reporters. “The passion of the more than 15,000 people in the arena will be great for the Philippines.”

For Reyes however, he considers it is a mixed blessing.

“There are a lot of expectations playing in our homecourt. But I’d rather be playing home than anywhere else,” Reyes said. “But the greater pressure will be delivered by these teams. This is the biggest challenge of our professional lives because it is being played here.”

The 11-day Manila tournament serves as the qualifiers for the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. – Rappler.com