Gilas will face Jeremy Sochan of Poland in the final match before FIBA ​​OQT

WHEN Gilas Pilipinas faces Poland on Saturday (Sunday, Philippine time) in their final friendly before the FIBA ​​Olympic Qualifying Tournament, they will face an NBA player on the other side.

San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, the son of a Polish mother, will make his debut for the Polish national team as part of the FIBA ​​​​OQT in Valencia, Spain.

Sochan has already played for Poland, winning a preparatory match against New Zealand (88:59) a few days ago, where he scored seven points, two rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes.

Apart from Sochan, Mateusz Ponitka is another player worth watching during the Poles’ match against the Filipinos in Sosnowiec on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (Sunday at midnight Philippine time).

Ponitka, who plays for Partizan Belgrade in the Serbian league, led Poland to its first semifinal in 51 years at FIBA ​​EuroBasket 2022, where he scored 26 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.

He also scored 29 points in Poland’s victory over New Zealand.

Gilas’ last tune-up before FIBA ​​OQT

Gilas will play their final test match before heading to Riga, Latvia for the FIBA ​​OQT.

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

The Philippines put up a close fight in their preparation match against Turkey but still lost 84-73.

Justin Brownlee scored 21 points and June Mar Fajardo had 17 points and 11 rebounds against Turkey.

“While others may find it a satisfying first match, our team attitude is almost lacking. We only have one chance to get to the Olympics and we can’t be satisfied with almost winning,” said Richard Del Rosario, manager of the Gilas team.

The Filipinos enter the match against Poland with a 1-1 record in preparation after defeating club team Taiwan Mustangs 74-64 last Monday.

SBP officially announces 11-member Gilas

Meanwhile, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officially announced on Friday that Gilas will play with an 11-player roster as part of the FIBA ​​OQT.

In addition to Brownlee and Fajardo, the final roster included Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Oftana, Kevin Quiambao and Mason Amos.

Scottie Thompson was not included because he is still dealing with a slipped disc.

Aguilar and Amos, who initially played as substitutes for Gilas, were also included in the official lineup, while Jamie Malonzo and AJ Edu were also injured.

Gilas coach Tim Cone described the team as “11-man,” even with players suffering from injuries.

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