Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Marching orders for Gilas U19 Youth: Make it to the next round


There are no lofty expectations for Gilas Pilipinas Youth when the team heads to the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Greece. But there is a goal they must meet.

Four days before the team left for Doha, Qatar to join a pocket tournament, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas sent off the Philippine Under-19 Boys’ Basketball Team at the Meralco Lighthouse in Pasig.

Making it to another World Cup in youth basketball is a testament to the upward trajectory of the program.

This is our third World Cup in six years,” said SBP President Al Panlilio as Batang Gilas competed in the 2014 and 2018 Under-17 World Cup. “We’re very proud that we’re progressing in our programs. We really created a pillar for this Gilas Youth.

“This is a program that we want to do well,” the amiable executive continued.

The SBP’s goal for the senior’s squad for their World Cup is to finish in the round of 16. For this squad, Panlilio wants them to make it to at least the top eight in the 16-nation tourney.

“MVP [Manny V. Pangilinan] gave them a top sixteen finish. I want this team to have a higher finish than that.”

The youth team will feature Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Gerry Abadiano, Bismarck Lina, Geo Chiu, Carl Tamayo, Rhayyan Amsali, Joshua Ramirez, Migs Oczon, Dave Ildefonso, Terrence Fortea, James Spencer, and Dalph Panopio. Meanwhile, Sandy Arespacochaga, will head the coaching staff, alongside JB Sison, Ryan Betia, and Anton Altamirano.

The Philippines have a tough group, as they are slotted in Pool D together with Greece, Argentina, and Russia.

#ReadMore  SOURCES: Dubai in play to host PBA bubble season

Though the young Filipinos face an uphill battle come the global meet, Arespacochaga is confident that his team will be competitive.

“We have a tough schedule but we also have tough players.”

Moreover, Arespacochaga is not just satisfied that the country is competing in the tournament for the first time in 40 years. They are in it to win it.

“We will not go to Greece just to participate. Our goal is to try to win.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

In a grueling war of attrition that went the distance, University of the Philippines showcased its unwavering commitment and perseverance amidst all the drama,...

Basketball

In an epic defined by heart-stopping drama and clutch heroics, Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips refused to go down, willing De La Salle University...

Basketball

Mayor Bambol Tolentino, as many had anticipated, secured a fresh four-year term as president, with his entire “Working Team” dominating the Philippine Olympic Committee...

Basketball

In a display of his growth, Carl Tamayo led the Philippines to a dominant 93-54 victory over Hong Kong, inching closer to a spot...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas delivered a dominant performance, routing Hong Kong 93-54 to sweep Window 2 of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Sunday night...

Basketball

Despite coming off a concussion, Kai Sotto delivered a stellar performance, filling the stat sheet in Gilas Pilipinas’ landmark victory over New Zealand on...

Basketball

Nearly two years into his tenure with Gilas Pilipinas Men, Justin Brownlee has repeatedly proven that the Philippines’ success on the international basketball stage...

Basketball

After four lopsided defeats, Gilas Pilipinas finally cracked the Tall Blacks code. Kai Sotto and Justin Brownlee led the way as the Philippines secured...

Advertisement