Pinoys excited over duel with US 5

MANILA, Philippines - Ranged against a team bannered by future NBA stars, Team Philippines looks to show its “biggest heart” while learning from the rare experience of playing against superpower United States in their preliminary encounter in the Fiba U17 World Championship late Monday at Al Shabab Arena in Dubai.

The Batang Gilas dropped their first two assignments to Angola (62-72) and Greece (65-85) in Group A and would need a miracle to take down the unbeaten Americans.

“To be realistic, we’re not expecting to win,” said player Mikkel Panlilio. “But this game against the Americans will give us a good experience which we can use in our respective careers. They are future NBA stars. Playing against them will be a confidence-booster for us.”

Phl coach Jamike Jarin said his wards are ready for battle despite the tremendous odds.

“We’re excited to play them, I’m sure they are also excited to play us,” Jarin said. “They need to prepare because we’re getting better. We played with a big heart against Angola, a bigger heart against Greece, and we’ll play with the biggest heart against the United States.”

This will be the first time for the Phl to face the US in a major international competition, the last being in the 1978 Fiba World Championship semifinals at the Rizal Memorial. The Americans routed the Pinoys then, 100-70.

Batang Gilas mainstays relish the prospect of matching up with Malik Newman, Ivan Rabb and Diamond Stone, who have shown the potential to make it to the NBA with their wide variety of moves in the US’ masterful disposal of Greece, 83-73, and Angola, 99-56.

“It will be a mixed feeling if these Americans dunked over me,” Batang Gilas top gun Jolo Mendoza  said. “Playing on the same court with these future superstars is a different kind of feeling. It’s pretty special. We’ll surely enjoy every single minute of it.”

“This experience is something you can tell to your future children over and over again,” he added.

A routine victory for the Americans – champions in 2010 in Hamburg and in 2012  in Kaunas – will give them the top spot in Group A for a second-round duel with Japan.

On the other hand, a shocking reversal by Batang Gilas will give them a chance to avoid the top seed in Group B, which could either be Australia or Canada.