MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas started its training in China in preparation for the forthcoming Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament. The 14-member national team arrived in Guangdong and started training right away for the August 2–7 event, which will last a whole week. Iran and Senegal will also compete in this important competition.

Fans may look forward to an exciting match between Iran and Senegal as the Heyuan Sport Gymnasium gates open, featuring both teams’ emerging talent. On Thursday, Gilas Pilipinas will play Iran in the tournament opening. The next day, Senegal will be the opponent at the Jiangmen EnPing Sports gymnasium. As they polish their tactics and collaborate as a team in front of the tournament, this represents a vital stage in the team’s preparation.

The national team’s trip to China is evidence of their commitment to playing basketball internationally for the Philippines. Gilas Pilipinas is prepared to bring their A-game to the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament with their eyes firmly set on victory and a commitment to giving it their all, hoping to make a lasting impression on basketball fans and lovers around the world.

The Filipino basketball team is preparing for their final overseas training camp as the FIBA World Cup nears. But without important players like Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto, Scottie Thompson, and the naturalized team of Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, they will have to make it through this difficult round. The team is prepared to step up to the challenge even if these notable absences may be felt.

June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos, Chris Newsome, Kiefer Ravena, Roger Pogoy, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Thirdy Ravena, AJ Edu, Calvin Oftana, and Poy Erram are among the roster’s strong players. Erram’s participation, however, is still in doubt because of a knee ailment that needs more testing.

Gilas Pilipinas will play Senegal on August 6 at the Heyuan Sports Gymnasium after a well-earned day off, and then Iran on August 7 at the Xiaoqing Sport Center. Iran, led by former national star Mo Abedeni, has already qualified for the World Cup and will be a strong contender in the action that will take place in Jakarta, the pulsating city of Indonesia.

Despite difficulties with player availability, the Filipino national team is adamant about competing internationally to display their strength and cohesion. The nation excitedly anticipates their performance in the forthcoming FIBA World Cup, where they will definitely leave their imprint, as they polish their tactics and sharpen their talents at this crucial training camp.

Senegal, on the other hand, will field the same team that competed in the African Qualifiers for the FIBA Pre-Qualifying Olympic Tournaments, including 6-foot-3 wingman Brancou Badio, who averaged 13.1 points in nine games with the Phoenix Suns during the 2017 NBA Summer League.