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Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team coach Rajko Toroman wants his team to start strong in the Fiba Asia Champions Cup when it meets the Korea's Sangmu Phoenix in their opening match on Monday.

“Coach Rajko likes to see a strong start. One of his philosophies is winning the first game is the key to finishing at the top," said Noli Eala, the executive director of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas prior to the team's departure to Jakarta, Indonesia on Sunday.

Sangmu will play without an import in the May 12-20 tilt but Eala said this does not mean it's going to be easy for the Filipinos as the Koreans are known for their outside shooting and passing.

The Nationals will be reinforced by American import CJ Giles in the tournament.

After the Koreans, they will meet Mahram Tehran of Iran on May 13 which will be followed by a one-day break. When action continues in Group A of the tournament, the Filipinos will be facing Al-Riyadi Beirut of Lebanon and Kuwait's Qadsia the following day.

United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India, Jordan and Jakarta are bracketed in Group B.

Eala noted that the favored teams in the tournament include Iran, Jordan and Lebanon which will play not only with the core of their national teams but with two imports.

Representing the Philippines in the tournament are Chris Tiu, JV Casio, Mark Barroca, Dylan Ababou and Marc Baracael, Greg Slaughter, Jason Ballesteros, Ryan Buenafe, Aldrech Ramos, RJ Jazul, JR Cawaling, Ford Arao, Magi Sison and Rey Guevara.

Among the players, only Ababou has had international experience, having suited up for the Harbour Centre-Philippines squad won the 2008 Southeast Asian Basketball Association Champions Cup.

After the elimination phase, the top 4 team in both groups will play in a crossover quarters and the winners will dispute the title on May 20. –Perry Legapsi, GMANews.TV