Members of Gilas Pilipinas are now in China with high hopes if not for victory but for glory and pride in world basketball ranking.
Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao said they still hope to make it to Round of 16 in the FIBA World Cup where perennial favorite Team USA may again emerge as champions.
With early odds in the elimination round against Italy, Serbia and Angola in Group D.
Guiao said they are still eyeing to become the best Asian team to make it to the Olympics.
“We hope to make it to round of 16 or (be the) best Asian team to qualify for Olympics,” Guiao said in a text message.
Number 31 in world ranking, the Philippine national team can be elevated to higher ranking should they advance from the Group eliminations. There are 32 teams vying for basketball supremacy with USA as defending champion.
“Send prayers,” Guiao said as they are bracketed with powerhouse 13th ranked Italy and no. 4 Serbia
The Philippines last succesful campaign in medal rounds was in 1954 with contingent headed by Caloy Loyzaga in Brazil.
