Taller, talented cagers for U17

MANILA, Philippines - After bowing out of contention in the Fiba U17 World Championship in Dubai, MVP Sports Foundation president Al Panlilio vowed to beef up the team with taller, more talented players who can compete against the world’s best.

Panlilio, whose son is a member of Batang Gilas in the 16-nation tournament, said the Filipinos have the desire to win, but simply lack of ceiling needed against the world superpowers.

The Batang Gilas opened their bid with a 10-point setback to Angola followed by a 20-point loss to Greece and a 60-point blowout to reigning champion United States. In the Round-of-16, they were crushed by France by 29 points, sending them to the classification round for a best ninth place finish. 

The Philippines faced South American powerhouse Argentina late Thursday at the Al Shabab Arena. And it was another uphill fight as the Filipinos were forced to play without leading scorer Jolo Mendoza, who pulled his right hamstring in the closing seconds of the third period against France.