Focus on Parker, Castro as Gilas tangle with France

Jay R. Gotera MANILA — All eyes will be on Tony Parker and Jayson Castro when underdog Gilas Pilipinas go up against the Les Bleus of France, Tuesday night at the start of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila. France’s Parker is considered as Europe’s best point guard while the Philippines’ Castro holds the same distinction in Asia. France is currently at no. 5 spot in the FIBA world ranking while the Philippines occupies the 28th spot. Parker was named Tournament Most Valuable Player of Eurobasket 2013 and continued his strong play in Eurobasket 2015. Castro was named to the FIBA Asia Championship All-Tournament Team in both 2013 and 2015. However, Parker is more internationally known because of his NBA pedigree, being a long-time member of the San Antonio Spurs. Castro, however, is undaunted of Parker’s stature as he plans to bring his A-game straight to Parker when they meet on opening night. “I’m very excited,” Castro said “We see these guys on TV, but now we’ll play against them.” “I’ll have to set aside my admiration, though,” he added. “I have to focus on the game.” Parker also vowed to be at his best in the game against the Philippines. Asked on Monday what message he would like to convey to Gilas, the 34-year-old NBA star did not mince words, saying, “We’ll beat you.” "Hopefully, I can finish on a great note and qualify for Rio," he said. “It's my last time, and I'm just enjoying every moment." Already packed with NBA talents, France is adding more firepower with 6’8” versatile forward Nicolas Batum of the Charlotte Hornets already on his way to Manila Monday to join the French squad. However, Batum is likely to sit out France’s tournament opener against the Philippines Tuesday. Batum will team up with fellow NBA stars Parker and Boris Diaw to help spearhead their #MissionRio campaign. France and the Philippines are in Group B of the OQT along with New Zealand, while Group A has Canada, Senegal and Turkey. Only the winner of this OQT will qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Gilas Pilipinas, tangle with France at 9 p.m. Manila time Tuesday following the game between 26th-ranked Canada and eighth-ranked Turkey.