FOUR-TIME Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) most valuable player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo as well as other returning veterans are expected to throw their weight around to give Philippines a sure win as it collides with Kazakhstan tonight in their Fiba World Cup Qualifying fifth window match at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
In a Fiba report, Jayson Castro is also returning to don the country's colors but head coach Yeng Guiao opted for Stanley Pringle to man the point as the Philippines will try to improve its 5-3 win-loss record in Group F.
The Philippines pulled off wins over Qatar (92-81), Chinese Taipei (93-71), Japan (89-84), Chinese Taipei (90-83) and Japan (77-71) but lost to Iran once and to Australia twice.
Japeth Aguilar, Beau Belga, Alex Cabagnot, JP Erram, Marcio Lassiter, Gabe Norwood, Greg Slaughter, LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson and Matthew Wright complete the roster.
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, held a 3-5 card.
Dabawenyo Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) deputy director Marlon Malbog said the national team stands a good chance to win. “Dili lang mag foul trouble atong bigs unya high percentage sa outside og free throws (Our big men should not just succumb to foul trouble and more on high percentage in outside shooting and free throws).
He also said that the Filipinos must also expect a physical game against the Kazakhs. “Bawal ang pikon.”
SunStar Davao sports columnist Mark Paul Samante, former PSI Davao City coordinator and currently Ateneo de Davao University's community engagement and advocacy council head, said the nationals should be consistent in two-point conversions. “They must also check the Kazakh shooters since they have high percentage in three-point conversion,” Samante added.