Coach sees strong RP Olympic bid

In the eyes of Lebanon coach Dragan Raca, the Philippines can compete with anybody else in the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifier and, given the good breaks, can make it all the way to the finals.

“The Philippines is as good as China, Iran and Jordan although each team has its own style of play. They’re on the same level. Things like scouting could make the difference in their battle,” said Raca on the Filipinos’ chance to make it past the group plays in the coming Asian championship in Japan.

“China is tall but young, Iran is very physical, Jordan also physical but had a brief preparation while the Philippines is quick. If the Philippines can be physical and make good use of its quickness, it can make it to the next round,” Raca added.

Raca, a two-time Euro League coach of the year awardee, said they have lighter assignments in Group B with Japan, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Also a former Yugoslavian national player who played with the late Drazen Petrovic and Vlade Divac, Raca is looking to give Lebanon another shot at top-level competition, following their stint in the last world championship.

Raca, however, admits it would be tough, for one, pointing to the Philippines which has beaten Lebanon thrice in their last four meetings.

Lebanon upended the Philippines, 87-84, in the just-concluded Jones Cup but the Filipinos got back at the Lebanese, 88-83, Thursday at the start of the Smart Four-Nation Manila Invitationals.  – Nelson Beltran