Philippine basketball patron and business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan was absolutely pleased with how SMART Gilas Pilipinas had swept Japan and Chinese Taipei in the first leg of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“Given the circumstances under which the team was formed, yes of course,” said the Chairman of SMART Communications after the team had downed the Taiwanese, 90-83, Monday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“I’m very happy for the team, very proud of them. I’m sure, FIBA would notice that we done well despite.”
However, the amiable executive is not celebrating too much just yet, knowing that the second leg of the Qualifiers will be much tougher.
The Philippines will head into the Qualifiers’ second leg to face world powerhouse Australia on the road on February 22.
“Mabigat yun, mabigat yun. It’s a very good team,” said Pangilinan of the Boomers, a team that is ranked ninth in the world.
And that is why the 71-year-old philantrophist hopes to see SMART Gilas find ample time to prepare against the Australians, who have also swept the first window with wins over Chinese Taipei (104-66) and the Akatsuki Five of Japan (82-58).
“So, if we are gonna get serious about competing against Australia, we have to give enough time for the team to jell,” said Pangilinan. “I’m not a coach but I would love to at least a month to prepare for the competition together of course.
“Otherwise, our chances are not good against their team.”
