Senegal holds key to Phl W Cup bid

MANILA, Philippines - Of all the power teams in the Gilas Pilipinas bracket in the FIBA World Cup, the Nationals are looking forward to their showdown with the team from Senegal, against which they have a shot at enhancing their “slim” chance of advancing in the Spain Championship.

Ranged against formidable odds, National coach Chot Reyes said the Nationals have two chances in group play in the Spain bash – slim and none.

World powers Argentina, Greece, Croatia and Puerto Rico are the other teams in Group B with the Philippines and Senegal.

Slim and none, the slim chance could be against Senegal, a team with two or three NBA players and other members who play in the NCAA Division I.

But Reyes said they won’t lack in coaching report and information about Senegal as he has asked a coach with knowledge of African basketball to help him in his preparation against this qualifier from the FIBA Afro group.

“I’ve asked a coach coaching in Africa to come over and help us. I make sure I have ample European, South American and African help in the competition,” said Reyes.

Reyes has followed the Senegalese in the FIBA Afro world qualifying tourney in Cote d’Ivoire.

“I have their 22-man pool, very deep lineup. All their NBA players are there,” said Reyes.

“They will be in Spain in August, the same time we’re there. We’re going to take a hard look at them,” Reyes also said.

Gilas Pilipinas must beat Senegal and upset at least one of the four powerful teams in their group to have a shot at the knockout stage.

But it’s easier said than done.

“We have two chances: slim and none,” Reyes has said time and again.

He promised though to make the hardest training for the team to be in best possible form in the FIBA World Championship slated Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 in Spain.

Even then, Reyes said they would have their hands full against all opponents, including Senegal.

“Senegal has two or three NBA players. Their other guys are all in NCAA Division I play. That’s a formidable opposition,” he said.

“But my belief is that bilog ang bola (the ball is round). You’ll always have the chance, you’ll always find a way and, hopefully, we can find that way,” he added.

One helpful way is to augment his think tank.

One is former New Zealand coach Tab Baldwin and another is the one from the African league.

“I’m a coach who isn’t ashamed to ask for help. I approached these coaches and I really asked help,” he said.

“Hindi tayo magkukulang dyan (We wouldn’t be lacking in that respect),” he added.