Duterte going to China for FIBA World Cup?

MANILA, Philippines — If plans push through, Gilas Pilipinas will have President Duterte at ringside, as its number one cheerleader, when it competes in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Foshan, China later this month.

According to a source, arrangements are being made regarding President Duterte’s presence in any of Gilas Pilipinas’ first-round matches against Italy on Aug. 31, Serbia on Sept. 2 and Angola on Sept. 4.

It remains to be determined which among the three early matches for Gilas the President is planning to watch. All games will be played at the International Sports and Cultural Arena in Foshan City.

“If the President is watching, I’m sure the whole team will be elated. It will be an honor to play in front of him,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio in a text message to The STAR.

“That would be really great and much appreciated if President Duterte would be able to watch and support Gilas in Foshan,” said Gilas team manager Gabby Cui yesterday.

“It would also be a chance for the President to relax a bit from work. The President has been working non-stop all week long, every day. Perhaps that trip to cheer the Filipino basketball players could also be an opportunity for the President to relax,” a source told The STAR.

Duterte has shown his support for Gilas Pilipinas in the past, showing up for the team’s opening match against France during the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The President arrived at the venue and made the ceremonial toss barely five days after he assumed the presidency in 2016. The packed crowd at the MOA Arena rose to their feet and chanted Duterte’s name as he walked in.

Gilas Pilipinas is hard-pressed to get past the first round of this year’s FIBA World Cup as it is pitted against teams ranked higher in the world stage.

Serbia is ranked No. 4 in the world, Italy No. 14 and Angola No. 39, which is just a few slots lower than the Philippines at No. 31.

The schedule of Gilas Pilipinas is part of round 1 of Group D of the FIBA World Cup 2019 games.

In Group D, Gilas Pilipinas is lumped with Angola, Serbia and Italy.

From the group bracket games, the participating teams in the FIBA World Cup 2019 will then move on to the quarterfinals, semi-finals and then the finals on Sept. 15.

Also seeing action at the FIBA World Cup 2019 are such formidable teams as the United States, China, Argentina, Korea, Japan, Russia, Poland, New Zealand, Jordan, Canada, Brazil, Senegal, Australia, Lithuania, Puerto Rico, Tunisia, Iran, Turkey and Poland.