Gilas seen to perform beyond expectations

JAKARTA – Four days with Jordan Clarkson in training, coach Yeng Guiao and the rest of the members of the Philippine quintet are all in high spirits, seeing signs of performing beyond expectations in the 18th Asian Games here.

“By what I have seen so far in practice and on the one game that we have played, it exceeds even my own expectations,” said Guiao after their practice session yesterday.

“They’re playing really well. They have a good chemistry; they have a good bonding, and it makes you excited,” Guiao added.

Of course, Guiao is not to get ahead of themselves, saying they’re to scale the “Great Wall” in their game against China tomorrow to determine the team they will play in the quarterfinals on Aug. 27.

“China is a big test, then our third game is a key on whether we’ll contend for a medal or not,” said Guiao.

“Signs are good, but you really don’t know if we really have a good team until you win some more games. You can’t conclude with one game. But I really see good signs,” said Guiao.

The players themselves are upbeat of their chances to achieve something special despite limited training.

“We’ll be better than expected,” said Asi Taulava, particularly excited about their game against China at 4 p.m. tomorrow at the GBK Basketball Hall where Team Phl seeks to sweep their two Group D games.

“Having Jordan Clarkson here is big. Then there’s Stan the man (Stanley Pringle), there’s Paul Lee. I think we’ve got the best guard rotation that we’ve had (in the national team) in a long time,” Taulava also said.

Chris Tiu called their group here as an assembly of experienced, intelligent players.

“JD provides much talent and athleticism; Stanley puts in much quickness and basketball IQ,” said Tiu.

“The big strength of this team is its quickness. And making things easy for all of us is the system of coach Yeng Guiao. No conflict, everyone benefits from it, and it’s easy to grasp for anyone,” said Beau Belga.

Tiu also stated the obvious: “Ang kulang lang nito (What we lack is) height especially against China.”

But Guiao feels they have a good chance against China especially if it’s a close game.

The main weapon could really well be Clarkson.

“We don’t need him to score much. We need him to make the players around him better. But there’s no doubt he can break down defense at will. He can bail us out, if he needs to, at the finish,” said Guiao.