Pinoy fans invade China

FOSHAN, China — Expect the Foshan International Sports and Cultural Center to turn into its homecourt when Gilas Pilipinas battles Italy in the opener of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2019 Saturday here.

Gilas Pilipinas’ sixth man is in full force

According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) logistics consultant Andrew Teh, at least 200 Filipino fans took a two-hour flight to this Southern Chinese city to witness the Nationals live in action in the first round of this prestigious 32-nation tournament.

They will show up in the games clad in Gilas colors and are expected to cheer their hearts out to prove that they are the best fans in the world.

Aside from around 50 fans, also part of the Southern China Airlines flight that left Manila Friday morning were SBP regional directors and board members and some family members of Gilas Pilipinas members.

“Gilas Pilipinas’ sixth man is in full force,” said Teh, who has always been in-charge of arranging the travel itineraries of the team as well as mobilizing the fans.

“We expect an electric atmosphere come game time. These fans will surely switch the level of intensity a notch higher and make our players feel like they are playing at home.”

The said some fans are already in China as early as Thursday while some will arrive on Saturday, few hours before Gilas chase a very important win over the Italians.

They would also be at the stands when they face the Serbians on Monday and the Angolans on Wednesday in anticipation for a historic performance.

“I’m sure everybody would go back to Manila happy,” Teh said.