Batang Gilas Pilipinas already have their eyes focused on the upcoming 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup tournament in Argentina in July.
The team booked its slot on the global stage after their successful FIBA U16 Asian Championship campaign in China last week. They beat Japan in the playoffs, guaranteeing their seat in the World Cup, before losing to China and New Zealand to settle for a fourth-place finish.
In a homecoming dinner sponsored by Chooks-to-Go on Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza, the team reviewed their tournament run and discussed the next challenge.
"It wasn't easy because of the limited preparation time. We were only complete almost a week before we traveled to China," Batang Gilas head coach Mike Oliver said. "When we got there, that was really the only time they got to know each other. Good thing we got a decent result."
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, team manager Butch Antonio, and SBP vice chairman Robbie Puno were there to celebrate the team's success.
"We're very happy for the result. They went and achieved what we wanted to achieve, and that's a slot in the World Cup," Reyes said.
Reyes said the team of 15 and 16-year-olds each had unique struggles and journeys to be able to compete in China.
"Every time we talk to these young men, being in Batang Gilas, being part of the Gilas program, gives them an opportunity to tell their story and have their story be part of history, the history of Philippine basketball," Reyes said.
After their fourth-place finish in the FIBA U16, they will now shift their focus. They are grouped with Croatia, France, and hosts Argentina in the FIBA U17 World Cup.
"Honestly we haven't looked at the teams yet. Just the names of those countries alone, they're very tough," Gilas assistant Josh Reyes said. "But I believe with the proper preparation and especially in this age group level, I think we can really compete."
The Philippines competed in the FIBA U17 World Cup for the first time in 2014. That was a team spearheaded by current Gilas cadet Matt Nieto and coached by Jamike Jarin. Batang Gilas earned one win in seven games.
The current Gilas squad knows that they have a huge task ahead of them, but they sound hopeful.
"The aim is to surprise people and how far we can go. The first goal is to get to the next round, when we get there we set new goals," Josh Reyes said, who is an assistant to both Gilas and Batang Gilas. "But like I said France, Argentina, and Croatia, these teams are way ahead of us in what we're starting right now. We're just starting the youth program to coincide with the elite program."
Although the lineup has not been finalized, the Philippines will rely on their speed, shooting, and size. And the forefront of their campaign in the World Cup will be 7-foot-1 center Kai Sotto.