MANILA, Philippines – Despite having a difficult start in the first group stage of the 2023 FIBA World Club, Gilas Pilipinas still has a chance to leave a lasting impression on the competition. Coach Chot Reyes and his team are still hoping to win the Asian championship and have the chance to represent the continent in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The Nationals are still very much in the running despite the obstacles. With their success in the World Cup qualification round as the major factor, the possibility of realizing the Paris dream is still within reach.

The outcome of critical matches involving China and Jordan on the following Wednesday will have a significant impact on the situation.

Gilas Pilipinas’ hopes of making the World Cup Round could be dashed if either China or Jordan pull off the unlikely feat of winning big and then exceeding the admission threshold with a better tiebreak point total.

The situation is complicated, with Jordan, New Zealand, and Greece all vying for favorable positions while trailing the United States by a tight margin. On the other hand, the Chinese squad hopes to tie Sudan and Puerto Rico for second place with their respective 1-2 records.

The difficulties that both the Chinese and Jordanian teams must overcome indicate that there will be a tough fight among Asian teams for the top rank. Now that this conflict will be fought out in places No. 17 to 32 in the rankings, these teams will be more determined than ever to win.

As a result of their 1-2 record after defeating Finland in the group stage, Japan takes the lead in this race. With perfect 3-0 records, Lebanon, Iran, and the Philippines have also shown their strength, paving the way for tough contests.

Each participating team will play in two matches in the upcoming consolation round, intensifying the battle as they try to stand out.

As the third-ranked team in Group B, Gilas Pilipinas will play a tough opponent in their first match, maybe South Sudan or Puerto Rico. On Thursday at 8 o’clock, the eagerly awaited game will start and take place inside the Big Dome’s famous walls.

The persevering attitude and unflinching resolve of Gilas Pilipinas serve as a tribute to the true meaning of sportsmanship as they continue on their path. In the face of obstacles, they work tirelessly to succeed and make a lasting impression on the international stage, exemplifying the spirit of cooperation and competition that distinguishes FIBA competitions.