‘Gilas has legit chance’

MANILA, Philippines —  Newly-designated Gilas assistant coach Sean Chambers isn’t fazed by the daunting odds that confront the national squad in the six-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia, on July 2-7 and said there’s a “legitimate chance” to make it to Paris before leaving for Europe last Tuesday night.

Only the OQT winner will claim the ticket to Paris. The Philippines is bracketed with Latvia and Georgia in the group stage from where the top two finishers emerge to battle in the KO semifinals on the way to the final. The other group consists of Brazil, Montenegro and Cameroon. Gilas will play two friendlies en route to Riga. First will be at the Akatlar Arena in Istanbul, Turkey, today and second at the Sosnowiec Arena in Sosnowiec, Poland, on Saturday. In Riga, Gilas faces Latvia on July 3 and Georgia on July 4. The semifinals will be on July 6 and final on July 7.

“I think we have a legitimate chance to win the OQT and make it to the Olympics,” said Chambers. “We’ve watched video of Latvia and Georgia and we’re very much aware of what’s ahead of us. Latvia shoots a ton of threes and we have to be prepared to defend it. Georgia is a very physical team. Against Latvia, we must locate those two brothers (Davis and Dairis Bertans) with a hand up in their face.”

Chambers said it’s always been a dream to represent the Philippines on the international stage. “Once again, this country has treated me like I’m one of their own,” he said. “Coach Tim (Cone) requested my participation in his staff and of course, it was a no-brainer. FEU management gave me their blessing to do what I can to assist in achieving the country’s goal to make it to the Olympics. My role is to support Coach Tim in any area necessary. The experience has been wonderful. Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos and Justin Brownlee are incredible and a joy to watch. I’m very impressed with the camaraderie of the players. They really love being around each other.”