Though reports have surfaced that President Rodrigo Duterte will fly to China and watch Gilas Pilipinas in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, he does not like team’s chances come the global meet.
“Wala, talo tayo, walang laban. Sa China na lang tayo magpusta,” Duterte told the members of the press Tuesday, including Inquirer.net.
“We will lose [against] Italy. Ang lalaki ng mga gagong ‘yan.”
China hosts the 18th edition of the tournament that will take place from August 31 to September 15.
The Philippines is grouped with Angola, Italy, and world powerhouse Serbia.
China is ranked 30th in the world, just a notch higher than the Philippines.
For the president, Gilas’ best chance to bag a victory in the group stages is against world no. 36 Angola, who they will face on September 4.
“Angola ito pwede natin ilibing ng buhay.”
