July 23, 2017

2017 Jones Cup Preview: GILAS PILIPINAS vs IRAN - JULY 23, 2017


Gilas Pilipinas couldn't have scripted their game against India better. Gilas started the game a little slow, but their outside shooting in the remaining 3 quarters helped them break the game wide open. Matthew Wright, Von Pessumal, Carl Cruz, and Almond Vosotros all made at least 3 triples each for Gilas, which pocketed win #5 and preserved a shot at finishing among the top three teams of the tournament. The last team in their way is old nemesis Iran, which has sent their own version of a cadets team but remain quite potent nonetheless. To end their campaign on a bright note, Gilas will have to pull out all the stops and make sure not to take Iran for granted. Sure they may not have any of the familiar names like Haddadi, Kamrani, or Bahrami, but this Iran squad is still mighty dangerous.

- Speaking of Iran, they are fresh from handing hosts Taiwan Blue another loss last night. Iran pounced on the fact that Taiwan was playing without some key big men, and the West Asia kings utilized their size advantage to the hilt. Against Gilas, Iran will have to contend with the tournament's 3rd best rebounding team, which means the Iranians better bring their A-game lest they get blown out by the more experienced Filipinos.


GILAS PILIPINAS roster & stats from Day 8
Ray Parks, Jr. - 6'4 - DNP
Kobe Paras - 6'6 - DNP
Mac Belo - 6'3 - DNP
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Fonzo Gotladera - 6'5 - 2pts, 2rebs
Von Pessumal - 6'2 - 14pts, 3rebs, 4 triples
Almond Vosotros - 5'11 - 11pts, 4rebs, 2asts, 3 triples
Jio Jalalon - 5'10 - 7pts, 2rebs, 5asts, 3stls
Mike Tolomia - 5'11 - 8pts, 2rebs, 3asts, 1stl
Ed Daquioag - 6'1 - 8pts, 2rebs, 1stl
RR Pogoy - 6'2 - DNP
Matthew Wright - 6'4 - 19pts, 1ast, 1stl, 5 triples
Kevin Ferrer - 6'5 - DNP
Carl Cruz - 6'5 - 9pts, 2rebs, 3 triples
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Christian Standhardinger - 6'8 - 10pts, 4rebs, 2asts
Raymar Jose - 6'5 - 2pts, 4rebs, 2stls
Kiefer Ravena - 6'1 - 2pts, 2rebs, 2asts
Michael Myers - 6'9 - 4pts, 7rebs, 3asts


IRAN roster & stats from Day 8
Mohammadreza Falahat - 6'1 - G - 2pts, 3rebs, 3asts, 2stls, 1blk
Rasoul Mozafarivanani - 6'3 - G - 9pts, 5rebs, 1ast, 1stl, 1 triple
Aliyar Najafi - 6'4 - F - DNP
Navid Rezaifar - 6'5 - F - 22pts, 3rebs, 5asts, 1blk
Saeid Mohammadi - 6'3 - G - 1ast
Mohammadreza Rezaei - 6'7 - F - DNP
Sajjad Pazrofteh - 6'9 - C/F - 12pts, 8rebs
Ebrahim Beihiharchegani - 6'11 - C - 1pt, 2rebs
Mohammad Shahrian - 6'3 - G - 4pts, 2rebs, 1 triple
Keyvan Reaei - 7'1 - C - 14pts, 8rebs, 2blks
Masoud Soleymani - 6'9 - C/F - 6pts, 7rebs
Navid Khajehzadeh - 6'5 - F - 2rebs


Game Notes:
1) PHI: RAIN THOSE THREES
- Gilas is built for speed and shooting. Speed will always be a constant — they are nearly always pedal to the metal. Shooting, however, is a little harder to predict or project, but it is clearly a barometer for success. If Gilas rains triples on its foes, they tend to win, but if they struggle from long range, that usually means big trouble.

In losses: 5.0 triples per game; 21.1 3pt%
In wins: 11.6 triples per game; 38.4 3pt%


2) STORIED RIVALRY
- There is a storied rivalry between these two teams when it comes to FIBA Asia play. They have met many times in what has turned out to be very exciting and physical contests. Even when it comes to tuneup contests in tournaments like the Jones Cup, when Gilas and Iran meet, fireworks are certain to follow. The same can be expected here even if these aren't the respective Team As of each country.

Last five meetings (in any tournament):
Gilas bt Iran, 87-73 in 2015 FIBA Asia Championship
Iran bt Gilas, 74-65 in 2015 Jones Cup
Iran bt Gilas, 76-55 in 2014 FIBA Asia Cup
Iran bt Gilas, 85-71 in 2013 FIBA Asia Championship
Iran bt Gilas, 77-60 in 2012 FIBA Asia Cup


3) PHI: THE WRIGHT MAN
- With both teams probably going all out in this one, it should not be surprising to see Matthew Wright play a major role. The Fil-Canadian super shooter has blown hot and cold in this tournament but for the most part he has been a very reliable sniper for Gilas. His shooting touch from the perimeter will be crucial if Gilas is to stretch Iran's defense and make life troublesome for them.

Stats: 12.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.3spg, 2.4 triples per game, 37.8 3pt%
Last game vs IND: 19pts, 1ast, 1stl, 5 triples, 100.0 3pt%


4) PHI: THE MEYERS FACOR
- Despite some early struggles in the tournament, import Michael Myers has become a huge contributor for the squad. His constant double-double production has helped the team shore up the middle, and he has been an imposing player on both ends. Needless to say, his production will be critical if they want to end their campaign here with a win over Iran. He is also coming off game where he played only 16 minutes, so he should pretty well rested against Iran.

Stats: 13.6ppg, 13.3rpg, 50.8 FG%
Last game vs IND: 4pts, 7rebs, 1stl, 1/1 Fgs


5) IRI: THE YOUNG GUN
- The guy Gilas has to watch out for when it comes to facing this Iranian team is young gunner Navid Rezaeifar. Navid was a candidate to be on their Team A for the FIBA Asia Cup, and he is seen as one of the potential future stars of the Iranians. Already in this competition, the 6'5 20-yr-old has shown some brilliant play, leading Iran in scoring and 3pt shooting. Needless to say, if he is left unchecked by Gilas, he will make them pay.

Stats - 19.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.9apg, 2.1 triples per game, 34.1 3pt%
Last game vs TPE Blue - 22pts, 3rebs, 5asts, 1blk, 1/10 3pts, 7/7 FTs


6) IRI: THE NEW HADDADI?
- One guy who could also be in Iran's Team A in the near future is 7'1 22-yr-old Keyvan Reaei. Given his size and length, Keyvan is seen by some Iranian fans as a possible heir to the spot of legendary center Hamed Haddadi, and why not? Keyvan has had some excellent games here in the Jones Cup, and he has shown some flashes of brilliance. He may have his hands full here against Myers and possibly Standhardinger, but look for this kid to play an important role.

Stats: 14.0ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.0bpg, 69.8 FG%
Last game vs TPE Blue: 14pts, 8rebs, 2blks, 4/8 FGs, 6/6 FTs


(Photo: CTBA)