Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Feature: The Philippine Basketball Team once again faces the daunting task to not only don the national colors but to also bring home no less than Gold in FIBA Asia 2015. Much has been mentioned about the star players of Gilas, yet data about their potential rivals strengths and weaknesses are scant. Here we discuss and dissect the would-be adversaries of RP Five in Changsha China.

Gilas Pilipinas is currently ranked number Three in FIBA Asia ranking courtesy of the Jones Cup 2015 results and the exhibition tournaments that Gilas participated in like the MVP Cup. A word of warning though, these power rankings mean nothing if Gilas fails to show a worthy performance in FIBA Asia. It only harbors complacency that the national team should stir clear from.

As for worthy competition, FIBA Asia’s current mix provides the Filipinos with elite opposition. Here listed below are the possible Asian powerhouse teams that pose the biggest threat to the Filipinos Gold medal aspirations. We analyze the rival team’s strengths and weaknesses, and the players to watch out for come FIBA Asia 2015.

CHINA BASKETBALL TEAM

As always, time and again China presents a worthy threat to the Philippine Team. Humiliated and defeated in FIBA Asia 2013, China is more than eager to bounce back from that failure and regain their stature as the premier Asian basketball powerhouse.

Let’s admit it, the 2013 Chinese squad was bound to fail. Sun Yue is a very slow and ineffective guard, and their gameplay was in total disarray. They lost to Iran, South Korea and Chinese Taipei. Yi Jian Lian was a none factor with his minor injury, and Wang Zhi Zhi just got old in a day. CBA’s influence over their national squad also brought more harm than good to the Chinese. They had been trying for the past years to emulate the NBA style of play, yet Chinese ballers are not as athletic, stocky and agile as their American counterparts.

Ultimately, no fancy dribbles and no hero ball can still win it for China. Tall, lanky and strong, China needs to revert to the days when the young Wang Zhi Zhi, stars Ma Jian, Liu Yu Dong and Hu Wei Dong were lording it over in Asia. China excels with their height advantage, quick release shooters, long passes and high basketball IQ. China is a defensive wall with their vaunted spread out zone defense. However, their failure in FIBA Asia 2013 highlighted China’s ineffective and slow defense against fluid ball movement. This is were the Philippine dribble drive system can flourish against. We also believe that no Chinese player can guard the fiery Terrence Romeo.

It is a bad decision by China to cut Liu Xiao Yu from the final roster. Liu topscored against the Philippines in the Asian Games 2014, and presents a bigger threat than Guo Ailun. Liu is a spitfire point guard who gives problems to opposing teams. Liu is the better ball handler, his absence serves as better news for the RP Team.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FROM CHINA:

YI JIAN LIAN • POWER FORWARD • 7’0 • 1984

It is a mistake to think that age and injuries has slowed down the NBA veteran in Yi. He normed an average of 27.7 PPG in his recent stint with Guangdong Southern Tigers in the CBA Season 2014-15. The former MVP of FIBA Asia 2011, Yi is both an inside and outside threat for China. Yi was not seen in the recent scrimmages of Team China, and is reportedly in the recovery phase from a recent injury. It remains to be seen if he plays at full strength in FIBA Asia.

Yi finishes strong with thunderous dunks when he is near the rim, just like Japeth Aguilar. However, unlike Japeth, Yi can dribble and handle the ball better. Add to that the fact that Yi is a certified seven footer. He finishes well in open court. He also has a deadly catch and release midrange jumper, and a consistent three point shot. He presents a credible threat from the weak side defense. Yi is a swift shot blocker and protects the rim from incoming slashers. The former Bucks draftee also possesses a quick first step when slashing to the basket.

One good thing that we can take away from Yi is that he has problems defending against dominant big men who can post him up. Yi gets easily baited by good ball fakes in the post. He is terribly lazy in boxing-out. He is also a tad slow reacting to midrange shooters which can benefit guys like Andray Blatche. He had early foul troubles back then against Marcus Douthit in FIBA Asia 2011, and was a non-factor in his battle opposite Hamed Haddadi in FIBA Asia 2013. If Andray Blatche and Asi Taulava can bait Yi to early foul woes, the chances are better for the Pinoy squad.

ZHOU QI • CENTER • 7’2 • 1996

A member of the World Select players in Nike Hoop Summit 2015, Zhou is a giant with a very slim body frame. He also possesses a 7’5 wingspan. Zhou was named the Best Defensive player in CBA 2014-15. He reminds one of Raymund Almazan. The difference is Zhou is a bit slower though he can finish well in transition.

He moves better without the ball and finishes well in backdoor or pick and roll plays. The good thing for RP Five is that Zhou is not a great post-up player. Though he presents a terrifying shot-blocking ability, his relative inexperience can culminate to turnovers and defensive lapses. He also gets easily boxed out by smaller but stronger opponents. Zhou has a potent midrange jumper but gets inconsistent at times.

WANG ZHELIN • CENTER • 7’0 • 1994

A member of the Nike Summit in 2012, he is touted probably as the next big thing in Chinese basketball, Wang Zhelin plays more like a Power Forward than a Center. He will be eligible to play in the NBA in 2016. He averaged 21.6 PPG in the 2014-15 CBA Season for the Fujian Sturgeons. A young and bullish strong seven footer, Wang is a threat in the offensive and defensive side of the court. Wang plays well under the rim and has a plethora of one-on-one post-up moves. These include baby hooks, undergoal stabs and hook shots. He is also ambidextrous. Think of a prime Danny Ildefonso with a seven foot ceiling.

A certified rim rattler, Wang held his own in his skirmishes againt Hamed Haddadi in the CBA. He has a credible trail defense opposite fastbreak attacks. Wang is hard to stop in open court, combine with this his ability to touch pass. Although an interesting prospect, Wang is still a young player who can succumb to rookie mistakes. His short wingspan can get him to foul troubles. Wang for all his athletic prowess, is not a superb midrange operator since he relies too much from points in the paint. He would rather drive than take the jumpshot. Zhelin would also need to improve his shot selections. In the defensive side, Wang is sluggish when defending a post-up player. Quincy Davis humiliated him in FIBA Asia 2013. With this knowledge, Asi Taulava or Andray Blatche can try to outmaneuver Zhelin by trying shot fakes or a pivot to take him out of his comfort zone.

ZHOU PENG • SHOOTING FORWARD • 6’9 • 1989

Zhou Peng is like a giant JC Intal. He possesses a decent outside shot and slashes to the basket with a slam. In 2014-15 CBA Season, Zhou averaged 9.6 PPG. He currently plays for Guangdong Southern Tigers.

He is very agile for his height and he can score at will whenever needed. Zhou is a bit temperemental and needs to choose better shot selection.

IRAN BASKETBALL TEAM

Iran has dominated Pilipinas Basketball for the longest time. Although the Philippines defeated an Iranian squad back in the 2012 Jones Cup, Hamed Haddadi is still the biggest wall facing the Filipinos in Asia. If Andray Blatche and Asi Taulava can bring Haddadi to early foul troubles, the Filipinos exponentially increase the chances of beating the Persian five.

The Iranian roster is so potent and cohesive a line-up that they play the ballgame with precision and impressive teamwork. Iran employs a solid double high pick, backdoor and pick and roll game. To say their two man game is near perfect is an understatement. They execute this with near fatal effect against any opposition.

After Haddadi, it is only the stoic Asghar Kardoust that poses a threat from the paint. Let us admit it, giant Khardoust is nowhere near the caliber of Haddadi. Khamrani will not be the best Asian guard if he has no Haddadi clearing out the way for him. Samed Nikkhah Bahrami, for all his exploits and offensive arsenal, will have a hard time slashing if there is not another threat from Hamed. It all boils down to one goal. Make Haddadi a non-factor and Philippines can win the court skirmish. If Haddadi is out, Iran will most likely lose the ballgame.

Throughout the years, Iran has had several changes in their head coach. They are now led by Coach Bauermann.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FROM IRAN:

HAMED HADDADI • CENTER • 7’2 • 1985

Mutiple Asian Championships, MVPs and World appearances. Hamed Haddadi is without a doubt, the dominant force in Asian basketball. Currently playing for Sichuan Blue Whales in Chinese CBA, Hamed is the sole reason why Iran remains as prime conqueror of Asian hoops. For his height he can move very well without the ball, he can shoot threes and he is a defensive juggernaut. Haddadi has a very high basketball IQ and is the center of every Iranian play. His efficiency in Asia reminds one of Arvydas Sabonis. In his recent stint in CBA where he was paid 1.2 million dollars, he normed 20.4 PPG and 13.9 RPGs.

If the big men of Gilas Pilipinas can bait Haddadi to early foul woes, Philippines stands a greater chance in winning the battle against prolific Iran squad. Andray Blatche can attract the defense of Haddadi outside the paint and thereby make Iran less effective in defending the middle. Haddadi is a bit slow reacting to outside shooters, which is no doubt the territory of Andray. No other Iran player can match Blatche pound for pound from the wings. Oshin Sahakian or Mohammad Hassanzadeh will be minced meat if they try to defend against Blatche. It is doubtful though, if Andray will be at 100% if and when they battle mighty Iran.

SAMED NIKKHAH BAHRAMI • FORWARD • 6’5 • 1983

Samed Nikkhah Bahrami is reportedly recuperating from injury and remains to be seen if he will be in perfect form for FIBA Asia 2015. Playing for Chinese CBA team Fujian Sturgeons, he is the most consistent player for Iran outside Hamed Haddadi.

Bahrami is a potent slasher and outside shooter who can score for Iran at will. Nikkhah has a big first step and a burst of speed to go with it when he drives against defenders in the middle. He is like Jared Dillinger in steroids. The main difference is Nikkhah possesses sheer will to score no matter the situation. He makes shots consistently and he’s got no jitters. Bahrami also has a keen eye for open teammates, and plays well in a two-man play.

Being a ballhog at times is one of Nikkhah’s weak spot. Bahrami is also a basketball diva. He gets angry if he doesn’t get the ref calls that he wants. This is where Calvin Abueva can disrupt and employ his psy-war against Bahrami. If Abueva can frustrate Samed and make him a non-factor, Iran may have less weapons to threaten Pilipinas chances in FIBA Asia 2015.

MOHAMMAD HASSANZADEH • POWER FORWARD • 6’7 • 1990

Currently playing for Foolad Mahan in IBSL in Iran, This young power forward of Iran plays the same psychological role of Marc Pingris and Calvin Abueva in Pilipinas Basketball. Mohammad Hassanzadeh is the energy guy of Iran and he provides defensive stability for the Middle East powerhouse. Hassanzadeh picks-up offensive rebounds for snacks and hustles against opposing players all game long. What is remarkably missing in his game is the willingness to take over and score for Iran when needed.

His hesitation may come from the fact that the forward position of Iran is overloaded with stars in Samed Nikkhah Bahrami and Oshin Sahakian. Expect Hassanzadeh to be given more focus in the coming years for Iran. Marc Pingris will have his hands full against Hassanzadeh. It will be highly physical when this two gets pitted opposite each other in FIBA Asia 2015.

SOUTH KOREA BASKETBALL TEAM

No other team in Asia has given the Philippine squad so much heartbreaks than South Korea. Asiad 1994, Asiad 1998, Asiad 2002, FIBA Asia 2011 and FIBA Asia 2014. Those are only but a few of the painful losses that Philippines received from Korea. South Korea knows how good the Filipinos in basketball are, and it gives them pride to play aginst a talented Pinoy squad at any given time. The bad thing is, they do this with deadly efficiency in do or die situations. We can say, we bring the best out of the Koreans. That’s why it was so rewarding for so many fans to get a sweet victory opposite a powerhouse SoKor five in FIBA Asia 2013. What a temporary relief.

We do expect the same rivalry and the same intensity if and when Pilipinas faces a South Korean squad in FIBA Asia 2015.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FROM SOUTH KOREA:

CHO SUNG MIN • SHOOTING GUARD • 6’2 • 1983

Cho Sung Min plays for Busan KT Sonicboom in KBL in Korea. Make no mistake, Cho is still a certified gunner for the South Korean squad. He burned Smart Gilas back in FIBA Asia 2011 with a dagger threepoint, and also dropped the game winning shot that toppled Iran in Asian Games 2014.

He may not have been so much an offensive threat in FIBA Asia 2013 Manila, but he is still a potent clutch sniper. He shoots beyond the arc even in the face of pesky defenders. Cho is also an expert flopper and an actor who gets fouls from his defenders. One answer for Cho would be “The Beast”. Calvin Abueva can psych Cho and disrupt his momentum to make him miss his dagger treys.

MOON TAE-YOUNG • SMALL FORWARD • 6’6 • 1975

Moon may not be as popular as his brother, Moon Tae-Jong, who single-handedly lifted South Korea to upset Gilas Pilipinas in Asian Games 2014. Korean-American Moon serves as the replacement naturalized player for Korea, and is an offensive threat in his own right. He now plays for Changwon LG sakers in KBL in Korea.

He was once an offensive force in the European leagues, and is well versed with the international style of play. He can slice and drive to the rim, and he also exhibits high basketball IQ. Moon is also a deadly three point operator. Moon runs and scores well in open court, and can defend well against players that are taller than him. Expect Calvin Abueva and Gabe Norwood to give Moon a rough defensive welcome if and when they face Korea in FIBA Asia 2015.

KIM JONG KYU • CENTER • 6’9 • 1991

Presently playing for Changwon LG Sakers in Korean KBL, this young center from Korea is a promising prospect for the East Asian powerhouse. Kim is agile and defends the middle very well for South Korea. He exhibits rim rattling abilities and has a potent outside shot. Kim can dribble the ball efficiently either in open court or in driving to the basket. He has a very nice baseline drive that culiminates into a powerful slam. Kim is also a great weak side defender.

Kim’s slim frame sometimes remain as one of his weak spots as he gets pushed around at times by heavier big men in the post. His youth maybe one of the reasons why he is inconsistent for South Korea. We expect Asi Taulava and Andray Blatche to bait Kim to early foul trouble since Ha Seung Jin will not be around to man the paint.

JORDAN BASKETBALL TEAM

Jordan Basketball Team is in a rebuilding process, and has just reacquired the services of veterans Zaid Abbas and Sam Daghles. They also signed Alex Legion as their naturalized player. They are now mentored by former Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman. Jordan is in a quandary to regain the cohesiveness they once had. They are also weakened in the paint since they no longer have the burly brother of Zaid, power forward Islam Abbas. That combination of the Abbas brothers was once a terror in Asia. The biggest detriment to Jordan now is the loss of Rasheim Wright. Without Wright, Jordan does not have a scoring machine who can burn the goal at will. Legion is nowhere near the scoring monster in Wright.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FROM JORDAN:

ZAID ABBAS • FORWARD • 6’8 • 1983

A reinforcement player for the Chinese CBA, Zaid Abbas played for Shanxi Brave Dragons before signing-up for Fujian Xunxing. Abbas is the main reason why the Jordan national team was able to slug it out with the best of Asia in recent years. He powered Jordan to a Bronze finish in FIBA Asia 2009. Abbas is an international veteran who possesses a high basketball IQ. A feisty competitor, Abbas can attack the basket swiftly for his size and haul offensive rebounds when needed.

Think of a prime Nic Belasco in the paint, a Danny Seigle from the outside, and an energetic rebounder in Rich Alvarez combination. Add to that the height of 6’8 and you can expect a near unstoppable operator who can drive to the basket and hit three-point bombs. If he senses any mismatch, he posts-up his defender and easily scores for his team. In the past, Zaid is nearly unstoppable with his exploits, but it remains to be seen if old age has caught up with him.

SAM DAGHLES • GUARD • 6’3 • 1979

The two time MVP of JBL in Jordan for the Fastlink ballclub, Daghles is a highly efficient playmaker. He handles the ball well and exhibits a high basketball IQ for a big guard. Not too fancy, yet he exhibits a respectable slashing ability.

Daghles age might be a factor though as he was a tad slower in his recent outing with the Talk N Text Tropang Texters in the PBA. Calvin Abueva will surely put his cuffs unto Daghles and we will see if the antics of “The Beast” will be effective against the star guard.

ALEX LEGION • GUARD • 6’5 • 1988

With Jordan NT not renewing Rasheim Wright nor Jimmy Baxter for their team, Legion is the new naturalized player of Jordan. Alex Legion is reportedly a ball hog. He plays like a shooting guard and is a lefty. He does midrange fadeaways and shoots a lot of threepoint shots. A journeyman who played as reinforcement for some European ballclubs like in Hungary and Italy, Legion is bringing his talent now to a depleted Jordan national squad. Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Gabe Norwood will have their hands full defending against the athletic Legion. He likes crossovers and dribbling between the legs, but moves a bit slower for his natural position. Legion is like a poor man’s Michael Jordan. He likes to emulate the moves of Michael from the range with his fadeaways, but is not as impressive as he would like to be. We can say that he will be more of a liability for the Jordanians, compared to Rasheim Wright who provided stability and go-to baskets for them in the past.

ALI JAMAL ZAGHAB • POWER FORWARD • 6’9 • 1988

Ali Jamal Zaghab is a strong and bullish Power Forward for Jordan NT. He reminds one of a prime Benjie Paras, but taller at 6’8. He is a monstrous shotblocker who can change shots from attacking players.

His skillset though is not so refined but Zaghab can pull down needed rebounds for Jordan whenever needed. He exhibits a respectable post-up ability and appears to be a prolific dunker. Ali plays well in crash rebounding and can also hold his own in defending the paint. Zaghab however is not an efficient shooter either in midrange or from beyond the arc.

WESAM AL-SOUS • POINT GUARD • 6’0 • 1983

Wesam Al-Sous is the certified three point gunner of Jordan. A stocky guard, he can light up the playing court anytime he drops his shots from beyond the arc. He was also a member of the Jordan squad that copped Bronze in FIBA Asia 2009.

Al-Sous is a burly guard who can barrel his way through his defenders and knock down clutch threes when called upon. Jayson Castro can outmaneuver and outrun Al-Sous but must be on alert as always since Al-Sous can wax hot from the three-point line at any point in time.

CHINESE TAIPEI • TAIWAN BASKETBALL TEAM

Chinese Taipei is surely weary that China is in revenge mode after being humiliated in FIBA Asia 2013 in Manila. Taiwan will surely be relying on their main man Lin Chih Chieh, their veteran sniper. The powerhouse team north of the Philippines will again be supported by Tseng Wen Ting, Tien Lei and reinforcement Quincy Davis. Another veteran that can cause problems will be Lu Cheng Ju, one of their many three point mercenaries.

Taiwan has a solid frontline with Tseng and Davis manning the paint, and perimeter snipers in Lu, Lin and Tien. Whenever their shots are falling, Taipei is very hard to beat, but if their outside shots falter, they also often will lose. Chinese Taipei is a cohesive basketball unit that relies in fluid ball movement, long passes and fastbreak attacks. Their crisp passing always finds an open man, leaving a hole for a three point shot, or an unmolested drive to the basket. They know each other so well that they know where to dump the ball without even looking.

All five players for Taiwan can shoot the three point shot. The Philippines will surely try to disrupt Taiwan’s momentum and offensive flow, and bait their bigs to early foul problems. No one from Taiwan can guard Terrence Romeo one on one, and Calvin Abueva maybe Baldwin’s answer to Lin’s sniping.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FROM CHINESE TAIPEI:

QUINCY DAVIS • POWER FORWARD • 6’8 • 1983

A journeyman who played for several leagues around the world, Quincy found a home in Chinese Taipei. The naturalized reinforcement of Taipei currently plays for Taiwan Pure Youth in Taiwanese SBL. Davis is a methodical power forward who can shoulder the scoring duties for Taiwan whenever called upon. He is like Sean Chambers, a silent but hard working deadly operator. He has a decent midrange and also a paint operator. He doesn’t play fancy and so he doesn’t waste a lot of movement when playing ball for Taiwan. He can defend against the opposing center or forward of their Asiad rivals.

In FIBA Asia 2013, he was a force against Yi Jian Lian and Wang Zhi Zhi, and helped Taipei to the historic upset victory.

The main issue with Quincy is his inconsistency and occassional sluggishness. He maybe matched-up again opposite Andray Blatche just like in MVP Cup 2015. It remains to be seen if he can fare better to a fit Blatche in FIBA Asia 2015.

TSENG WEN TING • CENTER • 6’8 • 1984

Tseng Wen Ting is the recognized dominant center of Chinese Taipei. He currently plays for Shanghai Sharks in Chinese CBA. For a big man, he appears to be more a power forward than a center. He is also a certified three point shooter. Tseng wreaks havoc at the post and brings foul woes opposite rival big men. He possesses a potent pivot move and has a keen passing ability. In defense, he can also hold his own against the best of Asia. Tseng is also a strong rebounder.

He may look thin, yet he is a spirited competitor and a force in the paint. He also has a high basketball IQ for a big man. The issue with Tseng is inconsistency. He sometimes plays like a monster in the paint, and the next day plays like a role player. Asi Taulava has had several battles against Tseng and it would be an explosive show if they face each other once more in FIBA Asia 2015.

TIEN LEI • FORWARD • 6’8 • 1983

Tien Lei was once touted as an NBA material in his younger years. He was invited in NBA Summer League in 2005. He currently plays for Dacin Tigers in Taiwanese SBL.

With his height of 6’8, Tien is very difficult to guard since he can play efficiently from the wings. A deadly three point shooter, he can drive, post-up and man the paint for Chinese Taipei. He plays more as a veteran and is a consistent scorer for his national team. He can also attack the rim and finish with a thunderous slam, proof of his aerial prowess.

Tien can defend against rival big men and is a threat from the weak side defense. He moves well without the ball and has a keen eye for dishing the ball to the open man.

In Taiwan, he is known to be one of the most effective rebounders. Tien is sometimes a liability in defending against quick guards who can outmaneuver him. For several years Tien has been playing with a nagging leg injury, and this has hampered his athletic abilities. Nevertheless, Tien has improved to greater lengths and he will still be a marked offensive gunner for Taiwan NT.

LIN CHIH CHIEH • SHOOTING GUARD • 6’3 • 1982

Known as “The Beast” in his native Taiwan, Lin Chih Chieh is the main threepoint hitman of Chinese Taipei. He currently plays for Zheijang Lions in Chinese CBA. He is credited for their upset win against Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia 2013.

The Filipinos returned the favor when they silenced Lin Chih Chieh and defeated Taiwan in Jones Cup 2015. Calvin Abueva, the Philippines version of “The Beast”, maybe tapped to disrupt Lin and negate his shooting flow come FIBA Asia.

LU CHENG JU • FORWARD • 6’5 • 1986

Standing at 6’5, Lu Cheng Ju is a solid gunner for Taiwan. Outside Tien Lei and Lin Chih Chieh, Lu is one of the most consistent sniper for Chinese Taipei. He drained four fourth quarter three point shots in a losing effort against Gilas Pilipinas in MVP Cup 2015.

He also played a solid game against China in FIBA Asia 2013 Manila. Gabe Norwood and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser may defend against Lu if they’re are not preoccupied with Lin Chih Chieh.

JAPAN BASKETBALL TEAM

Japan was once a fearsome basketball squad in Asia with the entry of the Takeuchi brothers. Their present basketball program though leaves much to be desired. They have guards like NBA veteran Yuta Tabuse, but none of them can match it up with the best guards in Asia. It will be an uphill battle for the land of the rising sun as they will need to rely heavily on the dominance of Kosuke Takeuchi.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FROM JAPAN:

KOSUKE TAKEUCHI • CENTER • 6’9 • 1985

The main man for the Aisin Seahorses in Japan’s JBL, Kosuke Takeuchi is the only glimmer of hope for the weakened Japan roster. Without a doubt, Takeuchi can hold his own against Hamed Haddadi, Marcus Douthit, Quincy Davis and Ha Seung Jin. He has an arsenal of post-up moves, a decent midrange and the ability to bait defenders to early foul woes. Like a well oiled machine, Kosuke excels in moving without the ball and adjusts very well in a two-man game.

The weak spot for Kosuke is his tendency to succumb to early foul troubles, as he is little slower in defense. His slim built is also a disadvantage against heavier opponents in the paint. We will expect Asi Taulava to pound his way against Takeuchi when they face each other again in FIBA Asia 2015.

QATAR BASKETBALL TEAM

Once dubbed as Afri-Qataris, Qatar relies on their athleticism and sheer strength to outmanuever and overpower their rivals in Asia. Qatar’s problem lies on inconsistencies, turnovers and dismal shooting. They also play too much one on one to their detriment. If Qatar can acquire the services of a prolific ball handler, they have a solid chance in international basketball.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FROM QATAR:

DAOUD MOUSA DAOUD • FORWARD • 6’4 • 1982

Mousa is a very athletic forward for Qatar. He can knock down threes and drive to the basket with ease. Mousa unfortunately, turns the ball over most of the time, so he is more of a liability than a source of stability for Qatar.

In good days however, Daoud presents problems to opposing teams as he is relatively hard to stop. In FIBA Asia 2013 in Manila against Jordan, Daoud exploded for Qatar and ended-up winning their battle, 75-61.

INDIA BASKETBALL TEAM

India can be a strong team if they can maintain consistency in all their games. Majority of the Indian cagers are shooters and can knock down three point bombs at any given time. They have tall players that can pose mismatches. They also have a powerful Center in Amritpal Singh who exhibits not only a nice shooting touch from the outside, but who also is an efficient paint operator.

Amritpal gave problems to Marcus Douthit back in FIBA Asia Cup 2014 and more than held his own against Hamed Haddadi in their touted match-up. Amritpal has an arsenal of post-up moves that can confuse big defenders. What India lacks are guards with high basketball IQ and efficient ball handlers. Pilipinas Basketball can exploit this nagging disadvantage of the Indian squad.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FROM INDIA:

AMRITPAL SINGH • CENTER • 6’11 • 1991

Amritpal Singh currently plays for Tokyo Excel in Japanese JBL. Amritpal is a strong big man that can give headaches to the Philippine team if and when they face each other. Singh can knock down a three point shot, and can drive to the basket with ease. He is also prolific post-up player who is unpredictable whenever he attacks the paint. If only Amritpal has enough firepower support from his Indian teammates, India will surely be a contender.

Singh is still young and oftentimes makes mistakes in crucial stretches of the game. If Amritpal will be tasked to man Andray Blatche, he may fall to early foul woes. It remains to be seen if he can exhibit an excellent footwork and lateral defense against a driving and mobile big man in Blatche.

We did not include teams like Palestine, Kuwait and Hongkong. We are not looking past these teams for we know that they still pose a threat to Gilas Pilipinas. However, statistically speaking and barring any disastrous complacency from Gilas boys, the Philippines will surely hurdle their first group assignment. We expect them to advance to a much difficult stage where they may face potential rivals to the medal rounds.