BASKETBALL: Early Gilas-China match expected with Asian Games grouping

MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas will rekindle its rivalry with China early in its campaign at next month's 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan after the two basketball powers were drawn together in Group C.

The Philippines was grouped with China, Bahrain and Kazakhstan in the official draw of lots held Saturday, setting up an early rematch of one of the most memorable games in recent Asian Games history.

Gilas pulled off a stunning comeback against China in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games semifinals, erasing a 20-point deficit to stun the hosts, 77-76, before their home crowd.

Naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee starred in the scintillating come-from-behind, burying back-to-back triples in the final moments of the game.

The victory propelled the Filipinos to the gold medal game, where they defeated Jordan, 70-60, to end a 61-year wait for the country's Asian Games men's basketball title.

Host Japan leads Group A alongside South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, while Iran headlines Group B with Jordan, Chinese Taipei and Qatar.

Basketball action begins on Sept. 10 at the Aichi International Arena, more than a week before the official opening of the 20th Asian Games on Sept. 19.

Gilas will kick off its title retention bid on Sept. 11 against Bahrain, followed by the game against Kazakhstan the day after.

The much-awaited rematch between Gilas and China will happen on Sept. 14.

The tournament will use a single-round-robin format in the group phase, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarterfinals.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has submitted an expanded 30-man pool for the upcoming Asian Games under head coach Tim Cone, though the final 12-player roster is still being finalized.

National team mainstays Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu are expected to miss the tournament due to scheduling conflicts with their Japan B-League club commitments. Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao are also out with the Korean Basketball League is reportedly holding back on Filipinos.

Brownlee, who is recuperating from a hamstring injury, leads the 30-man pool along with fellow naturalized Angelo Kouame.

Meanwhile, Bennie Boatwright is also included in thr pool while awaiting final naturalization documentation. (PNA)