FIBA World Cup 2019: Previewing Group D
The Philippines
The Philippines World Cup team qualified in the Asian qualifiers. In the first round, they beat Japan twice and Chinese Taipei twice and handled them quite well.
Both of their losses came to Australia, including a big loss after a bench-clearing brawl which ended with 10 Filipino players suspended. Despite the issues in the fight, the two teams advanced through qualifying.
The Philippines placed fourth in their second-round pool, advancing to the FIBA World Cup.
The Philippines do not have any sort of illustrious history or notable placings in recent memory. At the 2018 Asian Games, they placed fifth overall, falling to Korea in the first round of the knockout stage.
They have not qualified for the Olympics since 1972 and they placed 21st at the 2014 World Cup, which was the first time they had competed since 1978.
All but one player on the roster compete in the Philippines Basketball Association. The captain, Gabe Norwood, played at George Mason University and was the first overall pick in the 2008 PBA draft. He is the only player to have played in all 12 qualifying games.
Andray Blatche, an NBA veteran who played for the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets, is the leading scorer on the team. He averaged 16.0 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in qualification.
The team is on the older side, with only one player under the age of 25. The team’s experience in international play will elevate them to at least have a possibility at some sort of upset or close game against top talent.
The team opens up against Italy on Aug. 31 and then will face Serbia and finish off group play against Angola. The Philippines have never faced Serbia or Angola in international play. Serbia is the powerhouse team in Group D and Italy is no joke either.
Although the three other teams should be worried if they want to try to swing on a Filipino player. Andray Blatche and the rest of the squad proved they want all the smoke:
Jimmy are u serious u have no idea of the disrespect u don’t kno wat we been they b4 the even happened I seen a brother get hit by a player am I not supposed to have his back
— andray blatche (@drayblatche) July 2, 2018
The Philippines have to win one of their two games against the favorites to pass through to the next round. I would not expect it to happen though.