PHI - Trio learning from Worlds for FIBA Asia U18s

DUBAI (FIBA U17 World Championship) - The Philippines came into the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship with high hopes but realistic expectations. The U17 Worlds debutants enter the 9-16 Classification Games looking to gain more international experience, especially the trio of Paul Desiderio, Richard Escoto and Jose Go.

Desiderio and his other two teammates will not be flying back home to the Philippines after the Dubai tournament ends but instead will travel with their coach Michael Jarin to Doha to play at the FIBA Asia U18 Championship, which tips off on August 19 in the Qatari capital.

"Our goal is to win the championship," said Desiderio confidently. "We got second place in (FIBA Asia) U16s in 2013 and now in the U18s we will have taller players."

In Doha, one of the Philippines' main stars will be the 2.01m Kobe Pares, who made a name for himself by winning the dunk contest at the 2013 FIBA U18 3x3 World Championships.

The Philippines will square off against South Korea and Jordan in Group B.

"South Korea are always so good. They will have good shooters. And Jordan will be very tall. But not like the United States," said Desiderio.

The 1.85m player has had to play in the low post for Philippines in Dubai, where he was in charge of guarding players such as 2.08m Diamond Stone from the USA, the 2.17m Greek giant Georgios Papagiannis, 2.02m Bruno Fernandes from Angola and 2.13m Jonathan Jeanne from France.

"It's not only about the height but more about the heart. If you have a heart you can get all you want," said Desiderio about guarding people more than a head taller than him.

The 1.90m center Escoto also has been trying to guard the taller players from other nations. But Desiderio feels he, Escoto and Go only have been helped by playing against such great competition.

"This will help our leadership in Doha. We will be like veterans," added Desiderio.

"It's a great opportunity to play against them. We are giving all our best to play against them, but they are just so strong and tall and quick. But we learned how to play against that."

Philippines are guaranteed three more games in Dubai, including their bout Thursday against Argentina in the Classification Games.

Greece, Italy and Angola are also in the classification round but the Philippines also would have a chance against teams like Egypt, Japan or hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"Our main goal here is to win at least one game. The more the better, but one is the minimum," added Desiderio.

FIBA