From Manila to Fushan, the under-17 squad of Batang Gilas Pilipinas duked it out against Asia’s finest. Come June 30, they enter the final stage of this journey.
Starting June 30, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, Bismarck Lina, Miguel Pascual, Rafael Go, Joshua Lazaro, Forthsky Padrigao, Maclaude Guadana, Geo Chiu, Raven Cortez, Terrence Fortea, RC Calimag, and Yukian Andrada will play in the biggest tournament of their young lives — the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup.
“Chooks is really excited that our Batang Gilas, who are the future of basketball, ay palakas ng palakas. I think this is the strongest under-17 Philippine team has produced,” said Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. President Ronald Mascariñas during the team’s send-off at Crowne Plaze.
“This time around, we are more excited because the last time around, parang ang tallest player natin was just 6-foot-3, ngayon may 7-footer tayo, may 6-foot-8. Hindi na maliit ang Philippine team,” he furthered.
Unlike the last World Cup team that featured Richard Escoto as its tallest player at 6-foot-4, the frontline of this batch is huge. Headlining the frontcourt is 7-foot-1 Kai Sotto. Joining him are 6-foot-8 Geo Chiu, 6-foot-7 Carl Tamayo, and 6-foot-7 Raven Cortez.
Even with a tall lineup, the young national team players are facing a taller task. Grouped with them are European powerhouses Croatia and France and host Argentina.
And the team is unfazed and confident that they could shock the world.
“Maybe you should ask the players. I really believe or else why go there? Bakit pa tayo naghihirap, practice, bakit pa if you don’t believe that we can? Of course, we’re saying you’ll be battling future NBA players. The exposure to the world stage can help you achieve that,” expressed coach Josh Reyes.
“Exciting kasi future, makikita namin sila sa NBA, pero ngayon pare-pareho lang namin kaming player so bakit kami matatakot sa kanila di ba? Wala naman dapat ikatakot kasi player din kami,” added guard RC Calimag.
