Gilas blasted Malaysia last Tuesday, May 9, 94-49, while Cambodia, coming off a gold-medal win in the 3×3 event on May 7, trounced Singapore 85-60 on Wednesday, May 10.
Cambodia has bolstered its team with naturalized players Sayeed Pridgett, Brandon Peterson and Darrin Dorsey, members of the 3×3 squad that beat the Philippines in the men’s finals.
Three more naturalized players are also in the Cambodian team, shared Gilas coach Chot Reyes.
“They are a tough team,” Reyes said. “You saw the three guys in the 3×3. They have another three. They have like six naturalized players. They are going to be a handful.
We have to be able to adjust and pivot during the game.”
“We have very little knowledge about their games as a team. We have some information as individuals, but as a team, very little. It’s really a matter of how we can adapt. Our adaptability is going to be tested,” Reyes added.
On May 10, Gilas had to look for another venue for practice after organizers booked the team’s morning practice at an outdoor court. Reyes has also expressed concern over the basketball playing surface, which is usually used in volleyball and badminton games.
“We shouldn’t be playing on a surface like this. This is the situation that we are dealt with. We just have to embrace and accept it,” said Reyes.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser top scored against Malaysia with 15 points and Justin Brownlee added 11 points. Michael Phillips was also impressive with nine points and 15 rebounds. (JNP)