Regardless of shedding to Gilas Pilipinas, Iraq head coach Veselin Matic praised the Philippine squad competing within the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
The Philippines defeated Iraq, 66–57, in group stage play on Saturday to advance to the qualification to the quarterfinals.
Iraq had a superb begin and led 18–12 within the first interval earlier than the Philippines pulled away within the third interval and ultimately claimed the win. Iraq, in the meantime, was eradicated from competition.
Requested about Iraq’s efficiency, Matic stated it was extra in regards to the Philippines being the extra skilled workforce.
“I do know for a very long time, this workforce of the Philippines… all these gamers, they’re superstars over there. And that’s when the championship [experience is] coming, they’re coming with a famous person. I am positive that the Philippines is bettering [by] taking part in laborious video games, that may assist them sooner or later,” Matic stated.
“For me, the Philippines is [a] prime 4 or prime six workforce right here,” he added.
Shifting ahead, Matic stated he desires the Iraq squad to enhance by taking part in extra worldwide video games, comparable to these within the Jones Cup.
Iraq is at present ranked 92nd on the planet by FIBA.
—JKC, GMA Built-in Information
