Philippines vs Croatia preview: FIBA World Cup Schedule

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The Philippine National Basketball team “Gilas Pilipinas” takes on Croatia Saturday, August 30, 2014 at the City Arena, Sevilla Spain for the FIBA World Cup 2014 Group B.

Gilas Pilipinas relies on speed and accuracy in outside shooting to overwhelm Croatia, which comprises of taller players. The addition of naturalized player Andray Blatche (6’11′) certainly provides the chance of Gilas Pilipinas to be more competitive. Blatche is a shotblocker and a rebounder aside from his scoring ability. He is the key for the Philippine Team to at least advance into the next round.

When it comes to outside shooting, Jim Alapag, Jeff Chan, Garry David, Lewis Tenorio, Ranidel Ocampo and Paul Dalistan (Paul Lee) are legitimate three-pointers. Gilas Pilipinas offensive arsenals can create trouble against the opposing team.

Outside Blatche, the big men of Gilas Pilipinas are June Mar Fajardo (6’10″), Japeth Aguilar (6’9″) and Marc Pingris (6’6″). It’s not a dream roster of big men for the Philippine team but these players can play with their hearts.

The speedy Jason Castro has to break the defense of the Croatians for Gilas Pilipinas to spread the ball offensively. Also, the Castro’s penetration is significantly needed for the Gilas Pilipinas to triumph.

Ante Tomic (7’11″) poses trouble for the defense of Gilas. Blatche has to match him by not letting control the boards.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes has seen enough about Croatia and he knows how to handle the defense and offense to win the game.

Philippines Croatia FIBA World Cup game is televised live on TV5 and BTV at around 6:30 PM on Saturday.

Crotia roster

#4 Ante TOMIC C 217 / 7’1″
#5 Luksa ANDRIC C 210 / 6’11″
#6 Oliver LAFAYETTE SG 188 / 6’2″
#7 Bojan BOGDANOVIC SG 200 / 6’7″
#8 Dario SARIC PF 208 / 6’10″
#9 Damjan RUDEZ F 208 / 6’10″
#10 Roko UKIC PG 183 / 6’0″
#11 Krunoslav SIMON SG 196 / 6’5″
#12 Damir MARKOTA C 209 / 6’10″
#13 Mario HEZONJA F 202 / 6’8″
#14 Luka ZORIC C 211 / 6’11″
#15 Luka BABIC SF 200 / 6’7″

Philippines roster

#4 Jim ALAPAG PG 177 / 5’10″
#5 Lewis TENORIO PG 170 / 5’7″
#6 Jeff CHAN SG 187 / 6’2″
#7 Jayson WILLIAM PG 177 / 5’10″
#8 Gary DAVID SG 185 / 6’1″
#9 Ranidel DE OCAMPO PF 198 / 6’6″
#10 Gabe NORWOOD SF 198 / 6’6″
#11 Andray BLATCHE C 210 / 6’11″
#12 June Mar FAJARDO C 208 / 6’10″
#13 Paul DALISTAN SG 182 / 5’12″
#14 Japeth AGUILAR PF 205 / 6’9″
#15 Marc PINGRIS PF 198 / 6’6″

Will the Philippines outside shooting be working against a much taller Croatians?

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