Australia big threat to Gilas in World Cup qualifiers

GILAS Pilipinas may now be gearing up for its much-awaited FIBA World Cup qualifiers against long-time
Asian rival Japan in Tokyo on Nov. 24 and Chinese-Taipei in Manila on Nov. 27.

But a bigger -- and more dangerous -- Group B opponent is waiting in February -- newly-crowned
FIBA Asia Cup champion Australia.

With two-time Olympian Brad Newley and Rio de Janeiro Olympic veterans Chris Goulding and
Damian Martin  leading the way,  the Australians are heavily favored to top the four-team Group B
despite the absence of NBA players in the line-up.

Gilas Pilipinas,  which is expected to be led by four-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo  and
naturalized center Andray Blatche, is scheduled to play Australia on Feb. 22 in the first of two
home-and-away games.
   
The Filipinos and the Australians meet again on July 2 in Manila.
   
“The quality of talent that we have to select from is pleasing and reflects on the healthy
state of Australian basketball as well as the NBL,” said Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis in a  news
report published in the Herald Sun.

Author: Ed Andaya, Journal
Full Article: http://www.journal.com.ph/sports/australia-big-threat-to-gilas-in-world-cup-qualifiers