Gilas Pilipinas focuses on team defense, turnovers vs Latvia

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas team manager Richard Del Rosario said on Tuesday that team defense and taking care of basketball are two key points that coach Tim Cone have emphasized as the national squad prepares for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

"(We focused on) Sharpening our execution to limit our turnovers. Also, defending against shooters," Del Rosario told the Manila Times.

The Philippines went 0-2 in its friendly games against Turkey and Poland, with turnovers a major culprit in the team's losses.

The Tim Cone-coached national team fell to Turkey, 84-73, followed by a narrow 82-80 defeat to Poland.

Del Rosario noted that the Filipinos failed to take good care of the ball against Poland as evidenced by their 23 turnovers.

Of course, defense will have to be outstanding as well, considering that Latvia has an array of outside shooters who can light up from the three-point zone at any given opportunity.

"Latvia is loaded with shooters, even their bigs can shoot from the outside," shared Del Rosario.

And though Gilas will be playing in foreign ground against a Latvian side that's ranked no. 6 in the world, the amiable Gilas team manager and current Barangay Ginebra assistant coach, hopes that Filipino fans working or residing in the Baltic state will come to cheer for the Philippines.

"I'm not sure but you know how passionate Pinoy fans are. They will always show up," he added.

After Latvia, the Philippines will take on Georgia on July 4, 8:30 p.m. Philippine time.