Smart Gilas-Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman said a top three finish by his high-profile team is more attainable in this year's William Jones Cup.

"We're hoping to finish in the top three even though we expect a tough field in the Jones Cup. They got to do what they got to do to be able to get the job done," said Toroman.

The Serbian mentor is very calm and confident about his team’s chances in the tournament. He said that they have had good atmosphere during practices and that they are looking forward to the competition as it will serve as a good practice for them and a good measure of their adeptness and character in preparation for September’s FIBA Asia Qualifying Tournament in Wuhan, China for the 2012 London Olympics.

Along with PBA reinforcements Asi Taulava and Dondon Hontiveros, the Nationals will be leaving for the Chinese Taipei capital Friday afternoon via a Philippine Airlines flight where they will be competing with Asian powerhouses like Jordan, Japan, Korea and Iran-teams that both Douthit and Head Coach Rajko Toroman foresee as the toughest test in the said tournament.

But amidst the tough competition, Douthit continues to share the sentiments of Toroman.

“I’ll be disappointed if we did not make top three," said naturalized Center Marcus Douthit when asked about Smart Gilas’ chances in the upcoming Jones Cup.

The 6-foot-11 center shared that their practices have been arduous and almost Herculean- leading him to proclaim that the national team is ready for battle. The starting center disclosed that their biggest challenge would be the continuous game days.



With the withdrawal of South Africa from the competition, the Philippines will now face two-time defending champion Iran on opening day, August 6. The national squad will play against Taiwan, Jordan, Malaysia, Korea, UAE and Japan in that specific order everyday until August 12.

"The Jones Cup would be a good experience for us because we're going to play against strong teams that would make us tougher in time for the Wuhan tournament," said Toroman.

Gilas stalwarts Jayvee Casio and Chris Tiu are also optimistic with their chances.

“All the teams are tough but we need this because we're going to see how other teams play and gauge where the team is. We prepared very hard for this and I know we will not lose sight of the goal and that is to qualify in September," said Casio.

Team captain Chris Tiu adds, "Coach Rajko thinks we have a chance at a top three finish but I'm confident we could be in the top two."

The former Ateneo stalwart is likewise unfazed by reports that Memphis Grizzlies 7-foot-2 center Hamed Haddadi will be suiting up for Iran.

"They say Hamed Haddadi is playing. So if he does, we'll get a glimpse of him when we play Iran in our last game," added Tiu.

Aside from Tiu, Douthit, Casio, Taulava and Hontiveros, others suiting up for the team are Jason Ballesteros, Dylan Ababou, Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter, Mac Baracael, Japeth Aguilar, JV Casio and Mark Barroca.

source: Miakka J. Lim/JVP/RAF -GMA News