The Philippines, initially in Group B with Iran, Syria, and U.A.E., will now play in Group D with China and Kazakhstan for the preliminary round of the 2018 Asian Games basketball tournament, according to head coach Yeng Guiao.
"The Philippines got transferred to the group with China and Kazakhstan, which will be a bigger challenge. We have to win at least one game," Guiao said.
Attending the team's first practice at Meralco Gym on Monday were Gabe Norwood, Paul Lee, James Yap, JP Erram, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, Stanley Pringle, Chris Tiu, Maverick Ahanmisi, Don Trollano, Asi Taulava, Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero and Abu Tratter.
Missing was Christian Standhardinger, who is part of the 14-man lineup revealed on Sunday.
The group first had a closed-door meeting with the SBP before beginning practice.
Guiao said they will likely adapt Rain or Shine's system to hasten the team's progress given the limited time before the Asiad basketball competition kicks off on August 16.