MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will make its historic debut in the world stage after falling to the group headed by powerhouse United States in the FIBA Under-17 World Championship draw ceremonies in Dubai Wednesday night.
“The war is on,†Phl coach Jamike Jarin told The STAR.
Aside from the Filipinos and Americans, Greece and Angola also made it to Group A considered the “Group of Death†in the tournament scheduled from Aug. 8 to 16 at the Al Ahli and Al Wasle Arena in Dubai.
Jarin, who steered the Filipinos to a silver medal finish in the FIBA-Asia Championship in Iran last year after losing by just seven points to China, said getting into the Americans’ bracket is an answered prayer.
“If we want to test ourselves, we need to compete against the best,†said Jarin. “We like this group because we will get the chance to compete against the next LeBron James and Kevin Durants.
“Our prayers were answered,†he added.
Jarin said they are set to train in Las Vegas this April.
Japan, France, Canada and Australia comprised Group B, Puerto Rico, Italy, Spain and host Dubai make up Group C and Argentina, Serbia, Egypt and China will form Group D.
The team is composed of Diego Miguel Dario of UPIS, Joseph Matthew Nieto, Joseph Michael Nieto, Arnie Padilla and Jose Lorenzo Mendoza of Ateneo, Lorenzo Navarro of San Sebastian, Andres Desiderio of UP, Jose Go IV of Hope Christian School, Carlo Abadeza and Michael dela Cruz of La Salle-Greenhills, Emmanuel Panlilio of International School Manila and Richard Escoto of Far Eastern U.