FILE – Gilas Pilipinas.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
HANGZHOU – The real test begins for Gilas Pilipinas on Tuesday when it makes its highly-anticipated debut in the 19th Asian Games.
The all-pro unit takes on a Bahrain side which Cone describes as a “challenge” against a team that has faced major adversities in the last two weeks leading to the continental showpiece.
“I think they are going to be a challenge out there,” Cone, the most accomplished coach in PBA history said of Bahrain.
The game is set at 1:30 p.m. at Zijingang University inside the Zhejiang University.
Gilas held a film viewing on Monday and then held practice at the Dongzan Arena Olympic Sports Shop for the second straight time since arriving Sunday.
FILE – Gilas Pilipinas during a tuneup game against the Changwon Sakers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Bahrain, which joins the Philippines, Thailand, and Jordan in Group C, is coming off a rousing campaign in the Fiba Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Damascus, Syria last month where it emerged undefeated in five matches.
As champion of the meet, it became the first country to secure a berth in the Qualifying Tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Former PBA import Dwayne Chism is at the forefront of Bahrain’s campaign, along with Mustafa Rashed, and Muzamil Ameer Hamooda.
All of these are not lost on Cone and his coaching staff.
“They are going to pose some problems because they shoot the ball really well. They put a lot of pressure out there. They are not a big team which is unusual for a Middle East team,” noted the Gilas mentor.
“Usually, Middle East teams are really big, but they (Bahrain) are a little different, that they are quick and they can shoot.”
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After Bahrain, Thailand bannered by Tyler Lamb, and the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Jordan are up next for Gilas.