FIBA WC: Guiao, Gilas Pilipinas not bothered by Duterte’s ‘bet on China’ remark

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao said the national team is “not bothered” by recent comments made by Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte saying the nationals have no chance againsy Italy in the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup and that Filipinos should bet on host team China instead.

The story was published by Inquirer.net.

Speaking in a video posted by ESPN5’s Paolo Del Rosario, Guiao said the team will instead make it motivation.

“It doesn’t really bother us. I think you have to take it from a positive point of view,” said Guiao.

Gilas Pilipinas Men head coach Yeng Guiao isn’t bothered by President Duterte’s comments about the team’s chances in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

Guaio adds the team sees the comments as a challenge to perform well in the tournament.#LabanPilipinas#ParaSaBayan pic.twitter.com/ntbShJWola

— Paolo del Rosario (@paodelrosario) August 7, 2019

The Philippines has since won tune-up games against Congo and Ivory Coast.

“We should be able to keep believing in ourselves. We look at it as a challenge … believe in what you can do” said Guiao, adding the best way to approach the remark is to perform well while wearing national colors.

“Whatever happens, we are here to represent the Philippines the best way we can. Whether you win or you lose, it’s about how you carry yourself, the way you can put out a good performance, and who knows what could happen.”

Gilas is set to face Congo again, with a win likely to schedule a match-up against world powerhouse squad Spain in the final of a 4-nation pocket tourney in Malaga.