MANILA, Philippines — Montenegro, a tall squad from Europe bannered by Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, is the early bird among the 15 foreign teams booked for the FIBA World Cup here.
And even before they plunge into the prestigious hoops showpiece, the 18th-ranked Montenegrins take some on-court action tonight and test the mettle of Gilas Pilipinas in a closed-door tune-up at the PhilSports Arena.
Vucevic, a 6-foot-10 force of nature who averaged 17.6 points and 11 rebounds last season, is the first major NBA talent that Gilas faces in their pre-WC buildup.
Hopefully, the experience and first-hand knowledge of the Nationals’ own NBA star Jordan Clarkson will help them significantly in the 8 p.m. tussle against Vucevic’s side.
Two-time NBA All Star Vucevic, himself, is excited to meet the Fil-Am Utah Jazz star in the latter’s backyard before the actual tourney.
“We’re excited to see JC,” Vucevic said upon his team’s arrival in the Philippine capital the other day.
“I’ve played against him lots of times in the NBA. He’s a good player. I know he takes a lot of pride in playing for the Philippines so that’s amazing. It will be fun.”
Vucevic’s towering presence is complemented by the loaded frontcourt of Bojan Dubljevic, with Nemanja Radovic and Marko Simonovic, outside sniper Vladimir Mihailovic and court general Kendrick Perry.
“Montenegro, malakas na team ‘yan. European style. Vucevic is there, a bona fide NBA starter for his team and some others,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes. “Diyan mapapalaban talaga tayo. But we’ll see.”