Gilas starts chase of WC goal

MANILA, Philippines — The mission in the next five days is clear: Find ways to chalk up two wins out of three games in the group stage.  The reward: Entry to the second round and possibly a ticket to the Paris Olympics as Asia’s best performing side in the WC.

Clarkson and the Nationals take the first step tonight when they face off with Karl-Anthony Towns and his Dominican Republic squad in the main game of the double-header kickoff at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.

The 8 p.m. Group A showdown follows the 4 p.m. curtain raiser between heavily favored Italy and Angola and the glitzy opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. thereabouts.

“We have to be the best that we can be and play our best game. And even if we play our best, it doesn’t even guarantee a win because that’s how strong the other team is,” said coach Chot Reyes.

“The only thing sure is if we do not play our best then we have no chance. I think that’s the best way to put our approach into this game.”

Gilas is pinning its aspirations on a roster some consider as the strongest in years. Fil-Am NBA star Clarkson is at the tip of the spear with a crack supporting crew led by three-time World Cuppers June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, WC second-timers RR Pogoy, Kiefer Ravena and CJ Perez, youthful twin towers Kai Sotto and AJ Edu, PBA stalwart Scottie Thompson and multi-faceted Dwight Ramos.

Gilas is also tapping into the support of an expected record crowd of over 40,000 to gain some form of advantage against the world No. 23 Dominicans.

“Do we have the goods, do we have the team?  Hard to say until we see the actual game. One thing is for sure: We’ll need the support and prayers from the crowd. I think that’s very, very important,” said Reyes.

“We have to be able to punch above our weight and I think the crowd will be a big determining factor to be able to help us.”

DR sent a strong message to its WC opponents when it beat powerhouse Canada, 94-88, and pushed holder Spain to the limit before yielding a 77-86 setback in tuneups prior to coming over.

 “That’s indicative of how strong that team is. It’s a team that’s been together for a while and they have a couple of NBA players and one legit All-Star in KAT. We spent practices trying to get ready and preparing for Dominican,” said Reyes.

With the 7-foot, sweet-shooting Towns in tow, the million dollar question is: How to stop Towns?

“Secret…with a lot of prayer,” Reyes said with a smile.

His DR counterpart Nestor Garcia said they are ready for Clarkson, whom he described as “really, really dangerous,” and his Gilas complement of shooters and high-IQ players. Heck, he stressed they are even prepared for the pro-Philippine crowd.

“I know this country loves basketball and they support the (National) team but we are focused, because when you are focused, you can win anywhere,” he said. “For us, it’s extra motivation to play with the crowd, against a lot of fans against a good team.”

Notes: The game serves as a reunion of sorts for Philippine gunner Jordan Clarkson and Dominican veteran Eloy Vargas, who played together in the G League under the L.A. D-Fenders in 2014.  “I know he’s a good shooter, very athletic and fast but I’m confident our guys can do a good job on him.”