The Philippine national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas suffered their defeat on their European tour against the national team of Turkey. The Philipines vs. Turkey tuneup game ended with the score of 103-68 in favor of the home team. The game which was held at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul early Wednesday (Manila time) is part of the country’s preparation for the FIBA Olympic Qualifier.
Gilas Pilipinas is now in Europe for the last phase of its training camp ahead of the FIBA Olympic Qualifier which will be held in the Philippines this coming July 2016. During the game against the No. 8 FIBA-ranked team in the world, naturalized center Andray Blatche led the Filipinos with 21 points while veteran playmaker Jayson Catro added with 15 points.
Before the Gilas and Turkey tune-up games, the Filipinos made a rigorous preparations in Greece. The game between the Philippines and Turkey is considered by some sports analysts as a preview for the Philippines who could face the giants of Turkey in the semis of the Manila qualifier. Turkey is one of the most prominent team aside from France and Canada that could face the Philippines in Manila.
The European training camp of Gilas will determine the final line-up of Coach Tab Baldwin as he set to select his final 12 for the Olympic Qualifying tournament which will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena this coming July 5 to 10, 2016.
The game against Turkey put the tests the Filipinos preparations for the Olympic Qualifier as the Turkish team dominated the Filipinos. NBA Vetean Ersan Ilyasoba of the Orlando Magic is one of the most prominent member of the Turkey national squad aside from New Orleans Pelicans center Omar Asik who served as the leader of the national squad basketball squad of Turkey.
Gilas Pilipinas is slated to return to the Philippines on June 28 as they scheduled to face Turkey once again in Manila for a tuneup game on July 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena, which is four days before the Olympic Qualifier.
Watch Some Video Clips Featuring Gilas and Turkey:
