Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 17) — Ivory Coast, the first African nation to qualify for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and 18th-ranked team Montenegro arrived in Manila on Thursday for a closed-door tune-up game with Gilas Pilipinas at the PhilSports Arena.
The Ivory Coast cagers said they look forward to facing a tough Philippine squad to help them gauge their competitiveness before they take on powerhouse nations Spain, Brazil, and Iran in Group G in the Indonesia Arena.
“World Cup is one week away but we’re still in preparation phase,” said Dejan Pokic, head coach of Ivory Coast national men’s basketball team. “We’re trying to be the best we can to present the best team in our country, and basketball is a highly appreciated event.”
“For us, it’s already a big, big honor to be here, to be part of this big event, to be part of the biggest basketball event that’s happening this year,” he added. “And we will think game by game, day by day.”
Montenegro’s star player and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, meanwhile, said he is excited to get back on the hardcourt with Utah Jazz’ shooting guard Jordan Clarkson.
“We’re excited for it they’re a good team it’ll be a good preparation game for us before the World Cup starts obviously for me excited to see JC [Jordan Clarkson],” Vucevic said.
“I played against him a lot of times in the NBA. Very good player. I know he takes a lot of pride playing for the Philippines so that’s amazing,” the 6’10 Montenegrin added.
In July, the Filipino-American Clarkson committed to Gilas for the upcoming World Cup.
READ: Jordan Clarkson commits to play for Gilas at FIBA World Cup, says SBP
Gilas Pilipinas is also set to face two other world cup-bound teams in a series of friendlies happening in the country this weekend.
After Ivory Coast, the Philippine national team will play against Montenegro on Aug. 20, followed by Mexico on Aug. 21.
In a previous interview with CNN Philippines, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes said these tune-up games will ultimately help determine their final 12 for the World Cup.
