Reyes bullish on Gilas ahead of start of FIBA WCQ

"I like our chances," said Coach Chot Reyes on Gilas' first two games in the FIBA WCQ. Dennis Acosta
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Coach Chot Reyes expressed his optimism that Gilas will start its FIBA World Cup Qualifiers campaign 2-0.

"I think we have a very good chance against Japan and Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)," Reyes said during the send-off press conference for Gilas at Bar One of Crowne Plaza on Saturday.

The national team will fly to Tokyo to meet Japan on Friday night and will head home to Quezon City to take on Chinese Taipei on Monday night.

As of the latest FIBA men's rankings, Gilas is ranked 30th in the world, while Japan and Chinese Taipei are far behind at 50th and 57th respectively.

However, Reyes admitted that cohesion could play a factor in the road game against Japan and even in the home game against Chinese Taipei especially that the Gilas WCQ pool was only summoned earlier this month.

"They have the advantage of familiarity," he said.

Still, Reyes maintains his good outlook for his team.

"I like our chances," he said.

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