On the eve of Kazakhstan’s match versus Gilas Pilipinas in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ fifth window, head coach Renatas Kurilionokas promised that history would not repeat itself.
Their excuse for such a measly outing was the limited time they had to adjust to Jakarta’s conditions. The Kazakhs had arrived the evening prior to their game versus Gilas, which was set at 10 in the morning.
“It will be a different game for sure,” said Kurilionokas.
And come Friday night, in front of a hostile crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the 29-year-old – who had just been named as the national team head coach last June – kept his word.
Alexandr Zhigulin and Kazakhstan played much better than back in their Asiad encounter, shooting impeccably from the floor to deal the home team a heartbreaking 88-92 defeat.
“You see. You see,” said Kurilionokas with a slight grin.
“Different flights, different conditions. We’re not tired, we have time to prepare, we [came out as] winners. It’s very easy, yes.”
Kazakhstan has now improved their card to 4-5, and their chances to make it into the World Cup next year are still alive. And Kurilionokas is immensely grateful for this.
“I just want to thank the guys, thanks to the basketball federation of Kazakhstan that they believe in us. Thanks for this opportunity,” said Kurilionokas, a former player in the Euroleague.
