Gilas’ agility, versatility to be tested

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas’ versatility and fighting heart go under scrutiny as it duels a Jordan side carrying more size, depth and motivation in Thursday’s (early Friday in Manila) FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers fifth window matchup in Amman.

The Nationals play on the road after a limited training time capped by three practices as a complete unit prior to the 7 p.m. game at the Prince Hamzah Hall in the Jordanian capital.

“It’s not ideal but it is what it is,” said coach Chot Reyes, whose pool tried to make the most of its once-a-week and later daily sessions during the All Saints’ Day holidays to try to cover everything.

“This is going to be a test of our agility and our versatility,” added Reyes, who quickly assembled his crew for a session upon arrival in Jordan.

With June Mar Fajardo (throat), Chris Newsome (calf) and Kiefer Ravena (tooth) missing this trip, the burden falls on bigs Kai Sotto, Ange Kouame, Japeth Aguilar and Poy Erram and guards Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez and Dwight Ramos.

“We’re really down to one true point guard and that’s Scottie. So we’re going to have to probably play CJ at point, maybe Dwight. We have to get a little creative at point guard,” assistant coach Tim Cone told News5.

Gilas and Jordan tote identical nine points in Group E on even 3-3 cards behind unbeaten New Zealand (12 on 6-0) and Lebanon (11 on 5-1).

But while the Philippines is already assured of a spot in the 2023 worlds as hosts, Jordan still needs to book a ticket.

And this makes Jordan, a semifinalist in the last FIBA Asia Cup, well driven and very dangerous.

“They’re going to be out there coming hard because they’re trying to qualify so we have to keep that in mind,” said Ramos. “Obviously, we’re already qualified but we’re trying to improve and play against a team at their best.”