Batang Gilas kicks off world journey

Batang Gilas kicks off its quest for basketball glory when it clashes with European powerhouse Croatia in the opener of the FIBA U17 World Cup today at the Newell Old Boys Arena in Rosario town in Argentina.

Action kicks off at 4:30 am (Manila time) with the 34th ranked Philippine juniors national squad looking to pull the rug from under the squad that produced the likes of NBA stalwarts Dario Saric of the Philadelphia 76ers, Bojan Bogdanovic of the Indiana Pacers and Mario Hezonja of the Orlando Magic.

Despite the massive challenge, Batang Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes said their hopes are high as they parade the “best team possible” bannered by 7-foot-1 Kai Sotto and 6-foot-7 Carl Tamayo.

“We’re grouped with the toughest teams in the tournament,” said Reyes, son of Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes.

“But we’re all cautiously optimistic that we have assembled the best team possible for this age bracket.”

The last time the Philippines played in the world stage was in 2014 when 6-foot-4 Richard Escoto and 6-foot-3 Mike Nieto led high school stars Jolo Mendoza, Jollo Go and Matt Nieto against future NBA stars Jayson Tatum and Josh Jackson of United States.