Gilas to have easier assignments in FIBA Asia Champions Cup

With host Philippines enjoying the incentive of picking which group to join, the Pilipinas-Smart Gilas has been bracketed in the "easier" Group A in the 22nd FIBA-Asia Champions Cup set next month. Gilas coach Rajko Toroman opted for Group A where they will join ASU Jordan, Malaysia's KL Dragons, a Central Asia representative and a Japan team in the week-long competitions, from May 28 to June 5, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Group B, considered to be the "group of death," will have defending champion Mahram of Iran and runner-up Al Rayyan of Qatar along with Al Sahad of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and a Syrian and Lebanese team. Toroman said he likes the draw since Gilas will only face the tougher teams in the quarterfinals. "The best teams in the competition are in Group B. In Group A, we can build enough confidence if we enter the quarterfinals because any of the teams in Group B will be very, very tough," said Toroman. But the Serbian coach is not underestimating the Group A teams. "It won't be easy but it will be (much) easier compared to Group B." FIBA-Asia deputy secretary general Hagop Khajirian drew the lots with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan, executive director Sonny Barrios and former Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) president Moying Martelino attending the ceremonies at the Discovery Suites in Pasig City. All teams can play with an import but Gilas will not field any as they continue their preparation for the Asian qualifying round of the 2012 London Olympics. Marcus Douthit is already a naturalized Filipino. "We will have the disadvantage of not having an import, but our goal is the FIBA-Asia Championship while playing with Marcus Douthit," said Toroman. Pilipinas-Smart Gilas is currently readying to play its best-of-five semifinals series against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. All games of Pilipinas-Smart Gilas in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup will be played at 8 p.m. with the exception of May 28 and 29, when the nationals play at 6 p.m. – Reuben Terrado, JVP, KY, GMA News