MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines faces its first task in powerhouse France to start the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Tuesday, July 5 here.
(READ: Your guide to the FIBA OQT in Manila)
Gilas Pilipinas, the national men's basketball team, will be led by naturalized import Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, and June Mar Fajardo, while France will have NBA stars Tony Parker and Boris Diaw at the helm. Nicolas Batum will miss this game against Gilas due to contract issues.
Gilas aims to finally reach the Rio Olympics for the first time since 1972. Can they do it?
(RELATED: Gilas Pilipinas, I choose you!)
Meanwhile, Turkey and Canada raise the curtains on the tournament in a Group A clash before the Philippines-France game.
Get live updates from both games through Rappler's live blog starting at 6 pm. Turkey versus Canada begins at 6:30 pm while Philippines versus France starts at 9 pm.
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– Rappler.com