Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes reiterated his call to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to find a convenient way in allowing teams to release their players for a longer preparation in the upcoming International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asian Qualifiers third window in June or in any other overseas tournaments. After beating Japan (89-84) in their rematch at the second window at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, Reyes said he wants to have a longer preparation and practices with the players although it is hard for now due to the game schedules and practices with their respective PBA teams. “We have to talk to the PBA. It is fortunate the Commissioner (Willie Marcial) and I have an open line. We keep calling and talking to each other,” said Reyes. “But this kind of preparation, as you can see, is not going to cut it. I mean moving forward we really need to find a better way than what currently is going on.” Gilas Pilipinas naturalized … [Read more...] about Reyes wants longer Gilas preparation for FIBA Asian Qualifiers third windon
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Canadian men advance in FIBA World Cup qualifying
By Doug Smith Sports Reporter Sun., Feb. 25, 2018 A weekend in the Bahamas turned out to be a perfect journey for Canada’s senior men’s basketball team. A 113-67 rout of the hosts in Nassau on Sunday night capped a 2-0 weekend and moved them a step closer to qualifying for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Canada poured in 16 three-pointers and pulled away right from the start to run their first-round record to 3-1 after the second of three qualifying windows. A 118-89 win over U.S. Virgin Islands on Thursday, also in Nassau, combined with Sunday’s victory guarantees Canada will be one of three teams to move on to the second round of the long World Cup qualification process. Three of the four teams in the group — Canada, Bahamas, Dominican Republic and U.S. Virgin Islands — will advance. Canada still has second-round games to come at home against Dominican Republic on June 29 in Toronto, and Virgin Islands on July 2 in Ottawa. … [Read more...] about Canadian men advance in FIBA World Cup qualifying
PBA should consider using FIBA interpretation
Jude P. Roque Gilas Pilipinas absorbed its first defeat in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament, at the hands of world powerhouse Australia, which is ranked 10th in the world. But even in hostile territory, the Philippine National team, made up of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stars, was impressive particularly in the first half against the home team in Melbourne, Australia. They led 30-25 in the second period before the taller Aussies staged a strong rally in the final few minutes before halftime. The second half clearly belonged to the heavily favored Aussies as they pounced on Gilas with their aggressive pressure defense and superb transition offense. It also didn’t help the Filipinos’ cause that they missed twelve out of nineteen foul shots. On the other hand, Australia sank 25-of-32 from the stripe. Jayson Castro was unable to suit up in Melbourne after an ankle injury. He could’ve made a huge impact for Gilas. But anyway, the undefeated … [Read more...] about PBA should consider using FIBA interpretation
Canada cruises to win in FIBA World Cup qualifier
By Doug Smith Sports Reporter Thu., Feb. 22, 2018 Canada cruised to a victory in an increasingly nonsensical process of qualifying for the FIBA 2019 World Cup on Thursday where the most notable point is that the team escaped without any undue duress. A 118-89 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands in Nassau, Bahamas, moved Canada to 2-1 in the first round of the long qualifying process but did little to prove anything. Playing against a team that only dressed eight players — most of the Virgin Islands talent is in college and wasn’t available to play — Canada cruised after a slow opening two minutes. Read more: Canada turns over roster, staff for next set of World Cup basketball qualifiers Article Continued Below Melvin Ejim, who was unavailable for Canada’s first two games because he couldn’t secure a release from his Russian league team, led Canada with 28 points and was easily the best player in the game. Brady … [Read more...] about Canada cruises to win in FIBA World Cup qualifier
Toronto, Ottawa to host FIBA Americas qualifier games this summer
Toronto and Ottawa will each host a FIBA World Cup Americas qualifier game this summer, Canada Basketball announced Friday.The qualifiers for the 2019 tournament will take place June 29 against the Dominican Republic at Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum and July 2 against the U.S. Virgin Islands at Ottawa’s TD Place.“Basketball in Canada is thriving, and these games will continue to show the world that players here are ready to excel on the international stage,” said Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri. “For Canada’s team to be able to work toward their dreams in front of family and friends is incredibly special, and it will be great for fans to witness that.”Canada will also play at the U.S. Virgin Islands and at Bahamas later this month.Players from the NBA and NCAA will be eligible to play in the summer games. … [Read more...] about Toronto, Ottawa to host FIBA Americas qualifier games this summer