Gilas Pilipinas needs to play at high level every single moment, says Chot Reyes
Gilas Pilipinas concluded its China pocket tournament campaign with back-to-back victories against Senegal and Iran Team B, prompting national coach Chot Reyes to remind his players of the importance of “playing their best in every single game” if they hope to win a game in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
At the conclusion of the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament on Monday night in Guangdong, China, the Philippines defeated the Iranians by a score of 63-48.
Reyes explained to Gilas players in a video posted by One Sports’ Carlo Pamintuan on the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas’ Facebook page that they have little room for error when competing against world-class teams like the Dominican Republic.
“Our margin of error is very small, so when you get in there, every second you play on the floor counts. That’s the way it is, we really have to be on point every single moment,” said Reyes.
“You need to give yourselves a chance to play at a very high level,” he added.
In fact, to emphasize his point, the fiery Gilas coach stated that “even their best might not be enough” to defeat a formidable team such as the Dominican Republic, which will be bolstered by Minnesota Timberwolves superstar center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Tim Cone, an assistant coach for the Gilas, echoed Reyes’ locker room remarks after the game.
“That’s what we’re practicing for, trying to practice that idea that very possession counts. That’s what coach is trying to get in to you guys,” said the PBA’s winningest mentor.
The Philippines will face the Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan to open the FIBA World Cup.
Gilas’ other two opponents in the group stage are Angola and Italy, with both games taking place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.