Gilas coach, skipper see podium finish

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman is looking at a top three finish while skipper Chris Tiu feels the team could go all the way to the finals in the William Jones Cup which gets going tomorrow at the Sinjhuang Stadium in New Taipei City, Chinese Taipei.

“We’re hoping to finish in the top three even though we expect a tough field,” said Toroman, who along with the Nationals leave for Chinese Taipei before lunch today.

“Coach Rajko thinks we have a chance at a top three finish but I’m confident we could land in the top two,” Tiu said.

The Nationals reached the semis of the import-laden FIBA-Asia Champions Cup and made an impressive showing against a star-studded NBA selection in the recent Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend, further boosting their confidence as they head to Jones Cup.

The Filipinos hope to toughen up in Chinese Taipei as they gear up for the FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China next month.

“The Jones Cup will be a good experience for us because we’re going to play strong teams that would make us tougher in time for the Wuhan tournament,” said Toroman.

The nine-day event, according to Toroman, will gauge the Nationals’ readiness for the upcoming London Olympics qualifier set Sept. 15-25.

The presence of powerhouse teams Iran, Jordan and South Korea in the Jones Cup should provide Smart Gilas the test and challenge they need as they set out for the Wuhan tournament.

Smart Gilas will take on Jordan in its first game before squaring off with United Arab Emirates on Sunday.

After a one-day break, the Nationals will play seven straight games against South Korea on Aug. 9, South Africa on Aug. 10, Japan on Aug. 11, Malaysia on Aug. 12, host Chinese Taipei on Aug. 13 before capping its campaign against two-time Asian champion Iran on Aug. 14.

Tiu was particularly looking forward to playing against two-time Asian champion Iran, which is reportedly parading 7-2 Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi.

“They say Hamed Haddadi is playing so if he does, we’ll get a glimpse when we play Iran in our last game,” said Tiu.

Naturalized Marcus Douthit and PBA reinforcements Asi Taulava of Meralco and Dondon Hontiveros of Air21 will reinforce the Nationals, the regining SEABA champions, in the Jones Cup.

Talk N’ Text’s Kelly Williams, Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag are the other PBA stalwarts backstopping Smart Gilas five but will only join the team after the ongoing PBA Governors late this month.

The other members of the team are co-skipper Mark Barroca, JV Casio, Japeth Aguilar, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros.

Joey Villar, Philippine Star