THE road to the Paris Olympics just gets tougher for Gilas Pilipinas.

That’s because the Filipinos’ second straight setback — a heartbreaking 70-80 defeat to Angola — virtually slammed the door on their chances of making it to the second round of the FIBA World Cup 2023 and a possible outright ticket to Paris.

With world No. 10 Italy, waiting as their third and last opponent in group play, the Filipinos will now shift their focus on finishing as the highest-placed Asian country to gain outright ticket to Paris.

Based on Olympic rules, only 12 countries will be allowed to compete in Paris, with only host France already assured of a seat.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said Gilas’ 0-2 start will not stop the Filipinos from pursuing their goal of playing in the Olympics.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been to the Olympics. The last time was in 1972. Our goal is to be the highest-ranking team in Asia in the World Cup to advance to Paris,” explained Panlilio, who was at courtside when the country established a new FIBA record in crowd attendance at the Philippine Arena last Friday.

But co-host Japan gained a headstart in the race to Paris after it pulled off a 98-88 stunner against Finland to become the first Asian country to register a win.

The other Asian countries still vying for the lone Paris ticket are China, Iran, Jordan and Lebanon.

Against Italy, the Philippines is expected to put up a brave face before another jampacked home crowd.

NBA “Sixth Man of the Year” awardee Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz and six-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer will lead the Filipinos’ campaign against the Italians.

Italy, however, will not be an easy customer.

The Italians are looking for a bounce-back victory after an upset loss to Dominican Republic in its previous assignment to advance to the next round.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya