A Gilas Pilipinas victory over the Dominican Republic in their opening game in the much-anticipated 2023 FIBA World Cup will be crucial for their Paris Olympics hopes.
Thirdy Ravena said that it will definitely set the tone for Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign.
“We want to start off with a win. That’s going to determine pretty much how the tournament will go,” said the 6-foot-3 shooting guard for San-en NeoPhoenix in the FOR LOVE: The Podcast live recording in Taguig City on Sunday.
“The main goal for us is to be in the Olympics in 2024, so if we try to qualify for the second round, that gives us a higher chance of making it to Paris in 2024.”
The last time the Philippines made it to Olympic basketball was in 1972, when the likes of Jimmy Mariano, William “Bogs” Adornado, Danny Florencio, Jun Papa, Freddie Webb, and skipper Ed Ocampo bannered the squad.
This time, Gilas will be led by NBA star Jordan Clarkson, who will be joined by local talents to be selected from the pool that includes Ravena and his sibling Kiefer, Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Roger Pogoy, Chris Newsome, and June Mar Fajardo, among others.
“We’ll try to get that win against the Dominican Republic and try to advance to the next round,” said Ravena.
Ravena said the key to accomplishing the feat is to win one game at a time.
“We’ll definitely try our best to take it one game at a time. That’s the best possible chance,” he said.
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