Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

Young guns CJ Perez, Robert Bolick provide silver-lining for Gilas


Gilas Pilipinas got a harsh reality check after getting mauled by Italy in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Saturday night in Foshan, China. Still, head coach Yeng Guiao still saw some positives despite the 46-point beatdown.

“I guess if we’re looking at anything that’s positive in this game, [it] is that our young guys played [with] heart,” he said.

The veteran bench strategist was alluding to the bravery of the Filipino dribblers’ trio of young guards. CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, and Kiefer Ravena were all making their maiden appearance in the World Cup.

Perez had a fine performance of 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting, together with three assists, two rebounds, and a steal. Bolick had six points, two boards, and a dime, while  Ravena added five markers and two caroms.

They came off the bench and tried to provide some spark. It wasn’t enough, but Guiao still liked what he saw.

“CJ Perez, who’s a rookie, got fifteen points. He played his heart out, as well as Robert Bolick and Kiefer,” said Guiao.

“So if there’s anything positive we can pick up from a bad loss like this, it’s just that our young guys really gave it all.”

Still, the loss left a bad taste in the mouth of every Gilas member. But for Guiao, they will charge it to experience.

“We prepared long, but a lot of that preparation did not manifest itself. Of course, we’re disappointed but it’s a learning experience,” he said.

“We still have two games to go. We’ll try to play our best in the two games that’s left.”

#ReadMore  Is Jack Animam injured?
Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

There was never any doubt in Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone’s mind about Scottie Thompson’s potential on the international stage. Thompson had seen...

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

Before the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas Men’s head coach Tim Cone promised fans a highly-motivated and rejuvenated...

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...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas has kept the same lineup for its upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifier against New Zealand on Thursday, with Justin Brownlee once...

Basketball

Filipino-American big man Quentin Millora-Brown has made a significant impact so far in his one-and-done season with University of the Philippines in the UAAP...

Basketball

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has officially appointed Alfrancis Chua as the program director and team manager for both the Gilas Pilipinas Boys’ and...

Advertisement