Chua: Rally behind Gilas

Gilas Pilipinas calls on the fans’ support as the national team tangles with Oceania hotshots Australia and New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Team manager Alfrancis Chua said fans should troop to the Mall of Asia Arena as Gilas braces for tough matches against the two powerhouse squads.

Gilas face the Tall Blacks on 26 February and the Boomers on 1 March.

“We need the help of the fans again so that our players can play more. The opponent is really strong,” Chua said.

“New Zealand, if you saw their game against Australia, they fought hard and only lost by three points. The level of their game is very high,” Chua said.

The Philippines shares the top spot of Group with identical 2-0 win-loss records.

Gilas reportedly won’t have 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto for the second window as he is still recovering from his anterior cruciate ligament injury from last year.

The Philippines is in an uphill battle against the two Oceania squads.

Gilas stunned New Zealand, 93-89, even with Sotto in the roster last November in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

The Philippines has yet to win over Australia since 8 July 1974 in the FIBA World Cup in Puerto Rico.

Chua said the squad remains confident with Justin Brownlee leading the pack.

“We still trust him (Brownlee). The players still like him. The chemistry of the team, when he’s there, is great,” Chua said.

Gilas will start their training camp on Monday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.