MANILA, Philippines – The country's biggest basketball patron remains optimistic despite being drawn to heavy opposition in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers.
Manny V. Pangilinan, the former Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas' and Gilas' longtime backer, expressed his excitement earlier today after the baring of the OQT's groupings.
Stayed up till 3am to watch the FIBA OQT draw on my Smart. Great livestream- picture perfect, uninterrupted. Tough group for us. Hirap Ito.
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) January 27, 2016 But with our best players, intense preparation, the 6th man on court - our Filipino fans - and God's grace: YES, WE CAN!
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) January 27, 2016 The national quintent joins New Zealand and France in Group B of the Manila leg's matches. Group A comprises of Canada, Turkey and Senegal -- a team Gilas whipped during the FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain.
Many spectators and pundits consider the "Road to Rio" an uphill battle. France, which is considered our most daunting assignment, will likely field a roster peppered with National Basketball Association cagers led by the San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, and even Chicago's Joakim Noah.
France is currently fifth in the world ladder. Canada, another team which would likely also feature NBA players, is currently ranked 25th. Turkey clings to the eighth spot while New Zealand is at 21st.
The Philippines sits below in the Manila-OQT teams at 26th.
Senegal, on the other hand, is ranked 31.
But all's well that ends well. With MVP known to make things happen, the national team might be able to draw much-needed help from the NBA's athletes.
You know, like the young prodigy in Los Angeles...
Clarkson flies through the air! #GoLakers 3rd Quarter @TWCSportsNet | @TWCDeportes https://t.co/dHaJO4Afes
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 21, 2016 ...and of course, our homegrown cager who's carving out a career in Texas.
Why wouldn't i want to represent the country that i love.Let's see what God has planned. https://t.co/gyw0WviWOF
— Ray Parks (@ray15parks) January 22, 2016
It might be also safe to assume we're no longer the underdogs in the tournament slated in July.
@SteveNash @CanBball it's gonna be a tough one. See you there !
— Boris Diaw (@theborisdiaw) January 26, 2016