Philippines all smiles after training camp in Greece
KARPENISI (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - The Philippines are on the move again after wrapping up their training camp in Greece.
The Tab Baldwin-coached squad has been in Europe for several days and is now traveling to Istanbul.
Great camp, great bunch of guys, great work ethic, trying hard to build a great team for our country. #Gilasonmymind https://t.co/KWTwdqArsh
— Tab Baldwin (@iHob1111) June 19, 2016
Baldwin, who is getting the team ready for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in the Philippines (5-10 July), will coach the team in a friendly against Turkey on Tuesday. The two sides will also meet in Manila on 1 July - four days before the start of the tournament.
While the Philippines will play in Group B of the OQT against France and New Zealand, they could end up facing Group A sides Turkey, Senegal and Canada in a Semi-Final or Final. The players were in a good mood at the airport in Athens before departing for Istanbul.
Hopes are high that the Philippines will spring a surprise or two and qualify for the Olympics.
Baldwin steered the team to a runners-up finish at last year's FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha-Hunan. Victory in the Final over China would have punched the team's ticket to the Rio de Janeiro Games but second place at least got the team a spot in the OQT field.
After taking on Turkey, Baldwin and his players will leave the city where East meets West for Bologna and take part in a tournament with Italy, Canada and China.
FIBA
