Asian giant Iran overpowers Malaysia in FIBA-Asia opener

source: Mark Giongco, sports.inquirer.net

Asian power Iran hardly broke a sweat as it ripped listless Malaysia to shreds 115-25 in Group C play in the curtain raiser of the 27th FIBA-Asia Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Former NBA center Hamed Haddadi, who suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies for several seasons before being traded to and eventually waived by the Phoenix Suns last June, led the way with 21 points and eight rebounds in limited minutes.

Read full story...

Reyes: Gilas can make it to FIBA Asia semis

source: Joaquin Henson, abs-cbnnews.com

National team head coach Chot Reyes believes Gilas Pilipinas has a strong chance to make it to the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia tournament.

Reyes believes they can take advantage of the FIBA Asia’s one-game format, adding that the most important part for Gilas will be to make it to the quarter-final round.

Read full story...

Qatar recruit leads FIBA-Asia imports

source: Joaquin Henson, philstar.com

There are six imports or naturalized players in rosters for the 27th FIBA-Asia Championships here starting Thursday and no doubt, Qatar’s Jarvis Hayes is on top of the list in terms of credentials. Hayes, who turns 32 on Aug. 9, was the Washington Wizards’ first pick and 10th overall in the 2003 NBA draft and earned an estimated $13.4 million in a seven-year major league career.

Read full story...

FIBA: Smart Gilas impresses Cone, Toroman

source: philstar.com

Coaches Tim Cone and Rajko Toroman have seen and observed Gilas Pilipinas in practice, and liked what they saw.

“I attended a couple of Gilas practices. (I’m) Really impressed by the intensity, chemistry and togetherness of the team,” said Cone on his Twitter account.

Read full story...

VIDEO: Gilas Pilipinas: The Road to FIBA Asia (Episode 1)

Watch the 1st episode of our Team Gilas Pilipinas documentaries!

Video credit: youtube.com/PLDTHome

FIBA: Gilas PH5 lineup out on July 11

source: MST Sports, manilastandardtoday.com

Gilas National Team coach Chot Reyes will name the final line-up of 12 players for the FIBA-Asia Championships on July 11, while the team is on a training stint in New Zealand.

The top three teams in the FIBA tournament will qualify for the World Cup in Spain from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14.

Read full story...

FIBA: Gilas to use game vs Saudi Arabia as preparation for tough battles against Jordan, Chinese Taipei

source: interaksyon.com/interaktv/

The Philippine national men’s basketball team is set to face Saudi Arabia in the main game of the FIBA Asia Championship opener on August 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

SMART-Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes picked the obvious choice in facing the Saudis, who are considered the inferior team among the squads included in Group A. Also in the group are powerhouse Jordan and solid Chinese Taipei.

Read full story...