But the game that matters will be played Saturday when the Nationals collide against the Saudis in one of four matches opening the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
A cautious Rajko Torroman, the Serbian coach of the Gilas team, is not putting any significance on the local’s 36-point win over the Saudis, saying there is no room for complacency in their 6 p.m. encounter.
The biggest worry for Toroman are the Saudis’ two imports – 6-foot-10 Vladimir Dragojlovic, who is a compatriot from Serbia, and American Darren Kelly, who Toroman described as “talented.”
“They have two very good imports, so this isn’t going to be an easy game for Smart-Gilas,” Toroman said. “I’m sure the two imports have adjusted well with their local players. Besides, the first game is always the difficult one.” Iraq-Duhok and Jordan-ASU, meanwhile, open hostilities at 2 p.m., followed by the 4 p.m. encounter between Syria-Al Jala’a and three-time defending champion Iran-Mahram. Colliding at 8 p.m. is UAE-Al Shabab and Lebanon-Al Riyadi.
Qatar-Al Rayyan and Malaysia-KL Dragons will debut tomorrow.The Nationals, fresh from their stint in the PBA, and Saudi Arabia are in Group A with Iraq, Jordan and Malaysia, while in Group B – considered the tougher group – are Iran, Lebanon, Qatar, UAE and Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s head coach is Nenad Krdjic, a Serbian who was a former assistant of Toroman when he was still coaching a club team in his country.
Toroman said that it’s important for Smart-Gilas to put pressure on the two imports, particularly on Dragojlovic, who has played pro basketball in Serbia as well as in Turkey and Russia.
“They depend more on the two imports, so we have to defend them well. That’s the key again to beat them,” Toroman said.
As for the Saudi players, Toroman said the locals can handle them noting that their basketball skills are not yet fully developed.
source: gmanews.tv
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