Saints coach believes Gilas can beat Iran, China

MANILA, Philippines -- Wellington Saints playing coach Kevin Braswell feels the FIBA Asia Championship will be a three-way battle among Iran, China and Gilas Pilipinas.

If the Filipinos can get the rebound and run the pace they love to play, Braswell believes Gilas can really compete and get a good shot at qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“If they can rebound the ball, they’ll be fine,” said Braswell, seeing both the Iranians and the Filipinos up close in the recent Jones Cup.

“You have no problem with your guards. I love your guards. Your guards can compete with any team in the world. If Dray (Blatche) gets in shape, you’ll be tough,” said Braswell, among the all-time leading scorers in Georgetown U.

Braswell feels high ceiling and better game structure are two things going with Iran.

The New Zealand great, however, said Gilas could overcome these Iran advantages if the Filipinos are able to push the ball.

“Our team was formed three days before the Jones Cup and we’re able to battle them (the Iranians) for almost throughout the game,” Braswell said.

“You run your pace and play a two-man game on (Hamed) Haddadi, and he’ll surely get tired,” Braswell pointed out.

As for China, Braswell said the Chinese are tall but can’t keep up if the Filipinos keep on pushing the ball. 

Braswell stressed, though, the Gilas must get the rebounds.