MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - The Philippines are reeling from disappointing showings in their preparation games, and head coach Yeng Guiao hopes they can right the ship soon.

“We have a lot of work to do, which we hope to improve in the games that are more important to us, which are the Kazakhstan and Iran games in this window.” - Yeng Guiao

Team Pilipinas played four tune-up matches in the past two weeks, splitting two games against Jordan and losing both contests to Lebanon as all three squads set to plunge into the fifth Asian Qualifiers window this week.

"Their competitive nature was a bit disappointing because I felt they could have exerted more effort," said Guiao after their latest defeat to Lebanon in front of fans who filled up the modest Meralco Gym. "But we’re positive we can play a good game against Kazakhstan on Friday."

The Filipinos started slow in each of the games and tried to rally in the second half every time, finding success just once out of four outings. Understandably, Guiao isn't satisfied with their current level, and he hopes they can step up sooner rather than later.

 Two players, in particular, Guiao is aching to see break out are a couple of the PBA's brightest stars - June Mar Fajardo and Jayson Castro. Both national team veterans have struggled in the preparation games, with their low production in their 74-68 loss to Lebanon especially stinging. In that fixture, Fajardo had just 9 points, while Castro laid a big fat egg.

"I think June Mar Fajardo and Jayson Castro can play better than that," Guiao said. "We have a lot of work to do, which we hope to improve in the games that are more important to us, which are the Kazakhstan and Iran games in this window."

The Filipinos first play Kazakhstan on 30 November and then host the Iranians on 3 December. Both crucial matches will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

 
As for his choices for the final 12 men who will see action against the Steppe Wolves, Guiao is keeping his cards close to his chest.

"We already have an idea on who will form the final 12," he said. "The scrimmages and tune-up games were big factors in choosing the players. We'll go directly to the final choices. We already know who they will be."

FIBA