It’s July 5 in Manila, Philippines — one of the three venues for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. In just a few hours, Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine men’s national basketball team, will begin its quest to end a 44-year Olympic drought.
The Philippines has been home to many prestigious international basketball tournaments, like the 1954 Asian Games, 1960 and 1973 Asian Championships, 1978 FIBA World Championship, and most recently, the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
The OQT, however, is a first on home soil. It is only the second time the Philippines are participating in such tournament. The nation placed sixth in the 1964 edition in Japan, which was then known as the Pre-Olympic Basketball Tournament.
A lot has changed in Philippine hoops since then. After getting the FIBA suspension in the mid-2000s lifted, the Philippines have made good strides in the international basketball scene.
The inception of a Gilas program eventually gave the national team its first semi-final appearance in the FIBA Asia Championship (2011) in 24 years. The team did not stop from there, and made back-to-back finals appearances in the last two stagings of the FIBA Asia Championship (2013, 2015). Gilas also made the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, and won a game in that level for the first time in 40 years.
Now, the squad has a chance to add another accolade; if Gilas go on to win the Manila OQT, they will hand the country its eight appearance in the Olympic Games. Make no mistake, it is no easy task. Not when France, New Zealand, Senegal, Turkey, and Canada are in the tournament.
But the Philippines have proven countless times that the seemingly unthinkable can be achieved. And there is no better way to accomplish making it to the Rio Olympics than by doing it at home — in front of a populace so passionate about basketball.
https://twitter.com/iHob1111/status/750014383187632128
Gilas fans urged to wear white in home game against France
In a tweet he posted on Monday, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Manny V. Pangilinan asked Gilas fans who will be watching live to wear white.
Tomorrow's the day. We're sold out. SRO! To those going to MOA please wear white. #LabanPilipinas #PUSO
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) July 4, 2016
The basketball patron also tweeted that the OQT will be a short and intense series.
#FIBAOQT will be a short but intense series. Chances are practically even for all teams.
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) July 4, 2016
Let's get behind Gilas with our prayers and best wishes. God bless Gilas. God bless the Philippines. #LabanPilipinas #PUSO !
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) July 4, 2016
March to MOA to kickstart FIBA OQT Manila
One of the side events prior to the first game of the Manila OQT will be the March to MOA, a parade featuring floats that represent the competing teams.
It was mentioned by Local Organizing Committee chair Al Panlilio that the hosts want to make the event not just a basketball event but also a festival.
A global village is also being set up outside the Mall of Asia Arena. Fans can visit booths in this area and interact with fans from other squads as well.
Parker, Les Bleus not taking Gilas lightly
Though at an advantage on paper, tournament favorites France aren’t taking Gilas Pilipinas lightly, at least according to the team’s head coach Vincent Collet and key players Boris Diaw, Nando De Colo, and Tony Parker.
http://tiebreakertimes.com/tbt/watch-parker-les-bleus-expect-tough-oqt-opener-against-the-philippines/60035
France are also aware that Gilas play fast and are dangerous from the outside. Add to that Gilas’ homecourt advantage, which may play a factor in the game, something Collet noted..
http://tiebreakertimes.com/tbt/france-wary-of-gilas-speed-shooting-home-crowd/60058
Visiting team previews
New Zealand: Scouting the Opposition – The Tall Blacks
Canada: Scouting the Opposition – The Road Warriors
Turkey: Scouting the Oppositiong – The 12 Tall Men
Senegal: Scouting the Opposition – The Panthers
France: Scouting the Opposition – Les Bleus
