Parading the strongest youth team in Philippine basketball history, the Batang Gilas crew is confident of pulling off massive upsets of the world powerhouses in the upcoming 2018 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Under-17 World Cup in Argentina at the end of the month.

Ranked 34th in the world, the Philippine youth team is bracketed with FIBA Europe champion and seventh-ranked France alongside host Argentina (8th) and Croatia (10th) in Group D of the world joust set in Sta. Fe and Rosario, Argentina from June 30 to July 8.

“We’re all cautiously optimistic that we’re able to assemble the best possible talent in this age group,” said national team deputy coach Josh Reyes during the sendoff Monday night in Pasig City.

“I believe we can pull of surprises, or else why go there if we can’t believe we can win?” Reyes said.

Citing a major upgrade from the country’s first World Cup stint in 2014 when the 6’3 Mike Nieto and 6’4 Richard Escoto were the tallest Batang Gilas players, Reyes believes 7’1 Kai Sotto’s presence will spell a big difference as the Philippine could finally be at par with taller rivals.

“Size will not always determine your success. Size is just a bonus. But at least we can finally gauge our skills level against the world,” added Reyes.

Playing in his FIBA Asia U-16 Championship debut last year, Sotto made heads turn with a strong double-double average to lift Batang Gilas to a fourth-place finish behind champion Australia, China and New Zealand and clinch an all-important world cup ticket.

Sotto, 15, was hailed as the tournament’s best center owing to his astounding average of 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, highlighted by a couple of 20-20 game. He also had the highest efficiency rating with 21.5.

“Our goal is to win the championship,” said Sotto, also a member of Gilas cadet team.

He will be joined by U-16 mainstays Forthsky Padrigao, RC Calimag, Rafael Go, Joshua Lazaro, McLaude Guadana, Geo Chiu, Raven Cortez and Terrence Fortea.

They will also get an added boost from U-17 players Gerry Abadiano, Bismarck Lina, Migs Pascual alongside Sotto’s fellow Gilas cadet member and twin-tower Carl Tamayo, who stands at 6’7.

Mentored by Mike Oliver, Batang Gilas leaves for Argentina on June 21