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| Smart Gilas |
The Nationals take on the Saudis at 6 p.m. in a heavy four-game bill that will open the week-long club-team tournament showcasing some of Asia’s best basketball players.
Duhok of Iraq faces Jordan’s ASU in the 2 p.m. opener while Syria’s Al Jala’a battles Mahram of Iran at 4 p.m. Al Shabab of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) collides with Lebanon’s Al Riyadi Beirut in the 8 p.m. night cap.
On paper, Gilas looks to have the edge. They handily beat Al Ittihad in a tune-up game this week. (99-63)
National coach Rajko Toroman is also familiar with the system of Saudi Arabia’s coach Ninad Krazdic, who is also a Serbian and was once his former assistant coach.
Al Ittihad is a late entry in the tournament after it replaced Japan, who withdrew from the tournament after the country was struck with a devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Al Ittihad is beefed up by imports Vladislav Dragajlovic of Serbia and American Dareen Keely but their presence had little effect against the Nationals in their tune-up match.
The Nationals don’t have any imports but have naturalized player Marcus Douthit and PBA players Asi Taulava of Meralco and Air21’s Dondon Hontiveros as reinforcements of the young squad.
Toroman targets at least a second place finish in Group A which also has Duhok (Iraq), ASU (Jordan) and Malaysia’s KL Dragons.
Group B is considered the group of death with defending champion Al Rayyan of Qatar, Mahram (Iran), Al Riyadi (Lebanon), Al Jala’a (Syria) and Al Shabab (UAE). – Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News
Games Saturday
(PhilSports Arena)
2 pm – Duhok (Iraq) vs ASU (Jordan)
4 pm – Al Jala’a (Syria) vs. Mahram (Iran)
6 p.m – Pilipinas-Smart Gilas vs. Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
8 p.m. – Al Shabab (UAE) vs. Al Riyadi Beirut (Lebanon)
Games to be aired on IBC 13
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