After 45 years, the FIBA World Cup returns to the Pearl of the Orient Seas, the Philippines. This year, 32 teams will battle it out on the international stage, and will be held in three different Asian countries – Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This will be the first time ever that the World Cup will be hosted by multiple nations. One of the hosting teams, the Philippines, is a basketball-loving country and is one of the best in Asia in terms of talent. However, in the group stage, the Philippine National Team or famously known as Gilas Pilipinas will be up against some of the best in the world. Find out who the Filipino basketball stars are up against in Group A and how you can watch their games.
Gilas Pilipinas matchups in the FIBA World Cup 2023 Group Stage
August 25: Gilas Pilipinas vs Dominican Republic
Before facing their biggest opponent in the Group stage, Gilas Pilipinas must first win an exciting matchup against the Dominican Republic (ranked No.23). A team led by NBA superstar Karl-Anthony Towns, the Dominicana isn’t going to be an easy game for the Philippines.
According to Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, the National team is focused on their first outing in the FIBA World Cup. “Italy is Italy. We all know the quality of that team. Fortunately, they are our third game. So right now, our concern is the Dominican Republic. A lot of our efforts are really poured into preparing for the Dominican Republic and Angola,” said Reyes.
1st game of Gilas Pilipinas will be against Dominican Republic with Karl-Anthony Towns on August 25 at the Philippine Arena.
Ticket details here: https://t.co/IOJIYhjtqS pic.twitter.com/puWllChy4L
— Gilas Pilipinas (@smartgilasph) August 15, 2023
Gilas has less than two weeks to prepare before the bout against Dominican Republic which will take place on August 25. Furthermore, the game will be played at the Philippine Arena (Bocaue, Bulacan) which can seat about 55,000 people.
August 27: Gilas Pilipinas vs Angola
It’s already hard enough for the Philippines to take on the higher-ranked Dominican Republic, but they should be unfazed. Their second matchup is a nation that is ranked 41 in the world, Angola. Take note, Philippines is just put a bit higher at 40. Another NBA big man is leading Angola, Atlanta Hawks center Bruno Fernando, and could be a problem for the Filipino bigs.
Gilas Pilipinas looks to avenge the heartbreaking overtime loss back in 2019 as they go up against Angola in Group A!#FIBAWC #WinForAll#WinForPilipinas#WinForAngola pic.twitter.com/guvjfwf4Fm
— Puso Pilipinas (@puso_pilipinas) August 11, 2023
If Gilas is aiming to reach the Olympics, they must win their first two matchups (i.e. Dominican and Angola) because their final opponent will probably be the hardest. Gilas Pilipinas will take on the Angolans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on August 27.
August 29: Gilas Pilipinas vs Italy
Gilas Pilipinas will conclude their FIBA World Cup Group stage event with a toe-to-toe battle with one of the best European teams – Italy. Right now, the Italians are ranked 10th worldwide, just behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece. Despite Paolo Banchero’s decision to play for the USA instead of Italy, this team is still a formidable foe, especially for the Filipinos.
BLUE BATTLE
Gilas Pilipinas seeks a redemption win against the Italians on August 29th at the Araneta Coliseum.
Watch the action LIVE by getting tour tickets via https://t.co/C93SagDjdc and all Ticketnet outlets nationwide! #FIBAWC #WinForAll#WinForPilipinas#WinForItalia pic.twitter.com/LuwkfmjTEB
— SBP (@officialSBPinc) August 17, 2023
Italy’s National team, Azzurri, is spearheaded by players who have NBA-caliber talents like Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio and former NBA players Luigi Datome, and Nicolo Melli. This game will be played in Araneta Coliseum on August 29.
Gilas Pilipinas FIBA World Cup 2023 Group Stage tickets
Tickets are now available for Gilas Pilipinas’ group play games. To book tickets, follow these links:
Gilas Pilipinas final roster
The final 12-man pool for Gilas Pilipinas hasn’t been revealed by Chot Reyes and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto are ready and have been cleared to play in the World Cup. Meanwhile, the other 10 slots could be decided on how they can perfectly fit into the team. On the other hand, the final roster is said to be announced on August 23, just days before their matchup against the Dominican Republic.
“I have always said it before, we are looking for [players who] fit. First of all, they have to have the fitness, in terms of physical fitness. But they have to fit the style of play that we want to play,” Reyes said.
Kai Sotto has been CLEARED to play in the Phillippines' warm-up games for the FIBA World Cup 🔥 🇵🇭
The Gilas final 12 players won't be decided until the warm-up games are finished. pic.twitter.com/s98zolyIOJ
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) August 16, 2023
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