Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA World Cup match on Friday against Italy will not be the first time the two countries square off.
The Filipino dribblers and the Italians previously played against each other in the 2016 Imperial City Basketball Tournament in Bologna. Back then, both squads were gearing up for their respective FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
Gilas, then coached by the decorated Tab Baldwin, got blown out by a whopping 36 points, 106-70.
Among those who played in that contest and are also part of the current Philippine squad are team captain Gabe Norwood, Andray Blatche, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo, and Troy Rosario.
For Rosario, who was among the young ones back in 2016, he believes two things will help: their familiarity with Italy; and their experience in the OQT in Manila that saw them face off against elite teams France and New Zealand.
“Sa tingin ko, makakatulong. Kasi against Boris Diaw yung mga binabantayan ko nun, tsaka yung isa sa New Zealand. Malaking bagay na, yun nga, at least alam ko na yung feeling na makalaban,” said the 6-foot-7 forward.
“At yung Italy, magiging pangalawang beses ko na makakalaban yun, kasi naka-tuneup namin yun dati bago OQT. So nakalaro at talagang nabantayan ko na si [Marco] Bellinelli, si [Danilo] Gallinari. So alam ko na yung feeling.”
With that, Rosario is optimistic of the Philippines’ chances against Italy. But the TNT KaTropa stalwart added that the Nationals will have to play their best on both ends if they really want to stun one of Europe’s finest.
“Malaki yung chance. Sa height ‘di tayo nagkakatalo. Average height ata nila nasa 6-7, 6-8. Halos si Gallinari lang pinaka-malaki sa kanila. Yun lang yung sa guard spot, 6-3 ang average. Dun lang talaga tayo dehado.
“Pero sa big man, sa small forward, wala tayong nakikitang [problema]. Yung shooting lang talaga, kumonekta tayo sa three-point line, tapos yung depensa natin, malaki yung tsansa,” said the National University product.
Rosario, along with many other players in the national team, will play in the World Cup for the first time in his career. So for the 27-year-old, he will just enjoy the whole ride, and hopes to have a good experience in China.
“Che-cherish ko rin tong experience na ‘to kasi back-to-back na World Cup, tapos sa susunod World Cup ulit tayo,” said Rosario, as the Philippines will co-host the 2023 World Cup together with Japan and Indonesia.
“Cherish ko ‘to kasi ‘di natin alam ano mangyayari sa susunod na World Cup. Sana maging maganda experience.”
