False optimism or not, Coach Tab Baldwin said that Gilas Pilipinas has a puncher’s chance to beat fifth-ranked France should the planets align for the nationals.
The planets did not align last night, though, as France overcame a game and determined Gilas Pilipinas 93–84 behind a combined 48 points from NBA superstar Tony Parker and Euroleague MVP Nando De Colo.
Gilas Pilipinas vs France in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Jayson Castro scored 14 points
Gilas Pilipinas lost to France, 93-84 in their 1st game of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Andray Blatche led Gilas with 21 points and 8 rebounds while Terrence Romeo scored 19 points (3/5 from 3). Jayson Castro with 14 points and 3 assists. Gilas led in the 1st quarter, 30-22 but France took the lead at halftime.
Gilas Pilipinas vs France on July 5, 2016, 9pm in Day 1 of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas Pilipinas vs France live at 9pm on TV5. 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena. 1st game will be Turkey vs Canada at 6pm.
Watch Gilas Pilipinas vs France Live Online via Livestreaming below
Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw are included in the 17-man Player Pool of Team France for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.
France 17-man Player Pool for 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament
Alexis Ajinca – 7’1
Nicolas Batum – 6’7
According to reports, Ian Mahinmi (Indiana Pacers) and Evan Fournier (Orlando Magic) will not play for Team France in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila this July. Both are looking for new NBA contracts just like Jordan Clarkson and the earliest day of signing is on July 10, 2016.
France placed 3rd in the EuroBasket 2015 and was not able to get an outright slot for the 2016 Rio Olympics but qualified for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and will play in Manila from July 5-10.
France lost to Spain in the Semifinals, their only loss in the tournament after winning 7 straight games. Nando de Colo led France with an average of 13.1 ppg while Tony Parker with 12 ppg.
France Player Roster in the EuroBasket 2015
– Westermann, Léo (6’6)
– Batum, Nicolas (6’8)
Tony Parker is set to lead France in the 2016 FIBA Olympic QUalifying Tournament in Manila from July 5-10. According to reports, Tony Parker and his wife had reached an agreement that he will play in the Qualifying Tournament and in the Rio Olympics should they qualify and there is a possibility that he may miss the birth of his son this July.
Gilas Pilipinas will face France in the opening day of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena. View Gilas Pilipinas 2016 FIBA OQT Manila Schedule
Watch Tony Parker Highlights Video