IN THE INITIAL round of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in August, GILAS Pilipinas will compete against former foes.

In Group A, the Nationals were drawn against Angola, the Dominican Republic, and Italy on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum during the World Cup draw ceremonies.

In the 2019 World Cup in Foshan, China, Gilas previously faced off against Italy and Angola, and in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament the previous year, it faced off against Dominican Republic.

Results didn’t always favor the Filipinos.

In Group D matches, the Italians defeated the Filipinos 108 to 62 with the help of NBA stars, while the Angolans prevailed 85-81 in overtime.

With a 94 to 67 drubbing in the Belgrade qualifications, the Dominicans, for their part, ended Gilas’ hopes of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.

Once the opponents are known, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes and his staff may design a more focused game plan for the team, which is anticipated to be led by Fil-Am NBA star Jordan Clarkson.

Powerhouse USA and Greece, meanwhile, lead the high-profile teams set to fly to Manila to play for the group stages.

Jordan, New Zealand, and the Americans were placed in Group C together with the Greeks and Americans, who may have received support from NBA players.

In Group B, Serbia was grouped alongside China, Puerto Rico, South Sudan, and another team, while Group D’s other members were Egypt, Mexico, Montenegro, and Lithuania.

Groups A and B will be held in the nation at the Big Dome, and Groups C and D will be held at the MOA Arena.

In the meantime, co-host Japan will host Germany, Finland, and Australia in Group E and act as a hub for Group F’s Slovenia, Cape Verde, Georgia, and Venezuela, both in Okinawa.

The third host nation, Indonesia, will serve as the location for Group G, which includes the current champions, Spain, Iran, the Ivory Coast, and Brazil, as well as Group H’s members, Canada, Latvia, Lebanon, and France.