HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Australia – FIBA U19 World Cup 2019 Classification Stage

MANILA, Philippines – The world’s best teams in the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup taught the Philippines a harsh lesson in the big stage: Gilas Youth has a lot left to learn.

In 4 games against Greece, Argentina, Russia and Serbia, the Filipino youngsters did not win a single game and are now relegated to the classification stage.

Granted, they were playing without injured Fil-Nigerian big man AJ Edu, but the rest of the squad’s performances outside former Ateneo teammates Kai Sotto and Dave Ildefonso left a lot to be desired.

Although Gilas Youth can no longer contend moving forward, a lot of experience is yet to be gained in the classification phase, starting with tense rival Australia at 4:30 pm on Friday, July 5 (9:30 pm on Friday, July 5, Philippine time).

While the tension between Gilas and Australia is simmering from another age group, Gilas Youth can surely expect nothing but the best from the young Boomers.

Apart from Sotto and Ildefonso, this is a golden opportunity for the other young stars to shine and show that they deserve to play at the highest youth level.

Gilas Youth has able big men like Rhayyan Amsali, steady playmakers like Gerry Abadiano and deadly snipers like Terrence Fortea who have yet to show their best.

With the title out of the picture, they really have nothing left to lose but their chance to show off. Beating Australia for the Philippines’ first U19 World Cup win in 40 years is definitely a great way to start.