Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The road to Rio starts in Manila for both France and the Philippines as they face-off against each other on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
France is seen as the heavy favorites of Group B of the Manila FIBA Olympic Qualifiers, and rightly so, judging by the sheer number of NBA talent that peppers their roster.
The European side is ranked fifth in the world by FIBA, while group mates New Zealand and the Philippines occupies the 21st and 28th spots, respectively.
Team captain Boris Diaw, Spurs guard Tony Parker, Nuggets big man Joffrey Lauvergne, and Charlotte Hornet Nicolas Batum are enough to reinforce the belief that they should win the group.
Both the Philippines and New Zealand are not carrying any NBA talent in the tournament.
But that does not mean that victory is assured for the Frenchmen.
Hostile environment
The French national team know that when they face Gilas-Pilipinas they will not just be competing against the team, but they will also be at the receiving end of the roar of thousands of Filipino fans at the arena.
That is nothing to laugh off.
France national head coach Vincent Collet told CNN Philippines he is anticipating the boost the partisan crowd will give the home team.
“I think, more than a simple game, the game tomorrow is something special and emotional,” said Collet. “The emotional aspect will be part of the game. If we let them go crazy, it can be really difficult for us.”
Even their NBA multi-titled point guard Tony Parker urged his teammates to not take the Filipino squad lightly.
“Anybody can win. In one game, you don’t make shots and they can get hot. Anything can happen,” said Parker. “I hope everybody in my team understands that it is going to be a tough tournament.”
With the talent at their disposal and a professional approach to the game, few will bet against the French chalking up a win in their first assignment in the competition.
Related: Parker looking to end France stint on a high note
Taking hope in history
As recent as 2014, the French were tested by the Philippines in a tuneup match that they only won by a seven-point margin, 75-68.
The French had more NBA talent in their arsenal during that tuneup game, with Evan Fournier, Rudy Gobert, and Ian Mahinmi also seeing action that day.
Yet the Philippines kept it close, and in fact led at some points during the latter part of the game. Gilas sparkplug Terrence Romeo, big man JuneMar Fajardo, and NBA D-League guard Bobby Ray Parks Jr. were not even part of national side yet.
All three of them are expected to play significant roles against the French.
Coming fresh of a much improved showing against Turkey in their final tuneup game ahead of the tournament, the Philippines will have to build on all their gains to produce a winning performance.
The Philippines is outgunned in terms of professional experience and in size in general, with the French team holding a two inch average height advantage over the hosts.
But if the crowd can indeed push the home side to perform at another level, then they may be able to shock the European powerhouse.
Related: Gilas has improved ahead of FIBA tilt – Blatche
