On Friday, in the opening match of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas faces a formidable challenge from the Dominican Republic, with NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns leading the team.
During an interview with members of the press on Tuesday, coach Chot Reyes humorously answered the question of how his team will stop Towns.
“It’s a secret. With a lot of prayer,” Reyes told the media.
Towns is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team member. He averaged 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.
Gilas big men June Mar Fajardo, Kai Sotto, Japeth Aguilar, and AJ Edu will be tested in their match-up against a legitimate NBA player.
Reyes added that they spent their entire practice session on Tuesday preparing for the Dominican Republic.
“Yeah, well, the Dominican Republic beat Canada, and Canada beat Spain. The Dominican [Republic] also fought Spain in a very close match. If only KAT didn’t foul out in that last quarter, they might have [won] that game as well,” the Gilas coach added. “That’s indicative of how strong that team is—a team that has been together for a while, and they have a couple of NBA players and one legitimate All-Star in Karl Anthony-Towns.” (MJD)
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