Team Phl could win it all, says Indian coach

INCHEON, South Korea – India’s American coach Scott William Flemming said the Philippine team stands the biggest chance to win the gold medal in the Asian Games following his team’s 76-85 loss to Smart Gilas at the start of the second round of Asian Games basketball competitions yesterday at the Hwaseong Sports Complex.

“It’s Iran, China and the Philippines,” said Flemming, expressing the same opinion voiced by national coach Chot Reyes before the tournament.

Asked how he felt about the Philippine team as coach, Flemming said the Philippines is a team of World Cup caliber and even if he knew how they played during the World Cup in Spain, it’s difficult to coach against the Philippines because they have the speed, the shooting and the versatility  to beat teams of any size in the Asiad.

“Coaching against the Philippines is difficult because the players drive to the basket, kick out the ball to open players and shoot well. We need more adjustments, put pressure on them but they respond with their quickness, they’re a great team,” he added.

“We’re glad to have reached the second round but we were playing in a tough pool (against Iran and the Philippines).That’s unfortunate.”

“Playing here, we knew we’re playing a team of World Cup caliber. We knew their (Smart Gilas) game but unfortunately they are the better team,” said Flemming.

National coach Chot Reyes readily shrugged off the “team to beat” tag, saying China looms as a surprise package even with a new, young but tall team. Iran, he said, is an intact team reinforced with NBA players while Korea is dangerous on its home turf.

“For us to have a chance, we have to make our outside shots against Korea, match up with their shooters.

“We don’t have the size but  we can make teams (like China and Iran) worry about us by taking away what these teams can do,” he said.

He said Smart Gilas’ momentum for the Asian Games slowed down with the disqualification of Andray Blatche.

“We had to take a few steps back and get Marcus (Douthit) into the game. We lost two attacking players – Blatche and Jayson Castro – but we can’t worry (anymore) about the players who are not here,” he said.

He said he remains committed to the expectation to give the Philippines its best performance ever in the Asian Games.

“That’s what the people are looking for and that’s what we’re trying to achieve,” he said.