Lebanon coach relieved to play Gilas instead of Iran

CHANGSHA – Lebanon coach Veselin Matic sounded relieved they’re playing Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Championship quarterfinals, instead of Iran.

“No Iran, now Philippines. We can play Philippines easy, easy,” said the European coach in broken English.

“We are underdogs 100 percent but that’s the best position when you’re out. Everybody likes it. No pressure. You just have to play,” Matic also said.

Matic is a two-time FIBA Asia champion coach with Iran and he has a good winning record versus Gilas Pilipinas from its time under coach Rajko Toroman.

He is convinced Gilas is a lighter opponent than Iran even with the presence of Andray Blatche in Team Phl.

“We don’t care too much. He’s a very good player. I’m very surprised he’s not in the NBA. His quality is of a tough, tough NBA player. But he’s now a little bit out of shape. I have scouted him from the FIBA World Championship,” said Matic.

The Lebanese feel they can compete well with the Filipinos, pointing out the difference in their playoff seedings will not have any bearing in their do-or-die battle.

“This is a good matchup,” Matic insisted.

“We did our job to be No. 8. Now it’s game by game. We came here to play game by game,” he added.