By Joaquin Henson
MANILA, Philippines — NBA veteran Metta World Peace, previously known as Ron Artest, didn’t seem worried for Gilas that the Philippines will be up against tough opponents at the FIBA World Cup in China on Aug. 31-Sept. 15 and said the other day anything can happen in a game if you play solid basketball.
The Philippines, ranked No. 31 in the world by FIBA, takes on No. 4 Serbia, No. 13 Italy and No. 39 Angola in the first round of eliminations in Foshan. The expectation is Serbia and Italy will show up with NBA players. Gilas will suit up its own NBA player Andray Blatche, a naturalized Filipino.
“Transition defense will be key,” said Metta who played for six teams in 17 NBA seasons until 2016-17. “Don’t get caught in 5-on-4 or 5-on-3 situations. I know the Philippines can play. My advice is to run and gun. I like the smalls attacking the rim. Take the open shot, move the ball, set multiple screens, use your quickness. Every team has a chance to win if you play solid, just stick to your defensive fundamentals, never reach in or stab, hold your ground.”
Metta, 39, said he’s considering a trip to China to watch the World Cup. He once played in the Chinese league. “It was a lot of fun playing in China where I have my most fans,” he said. “You’re expected to score 40 a game and you actually can. I enjoyed my time in China and maybe, I’ll go over and watch the World Cup.”
Metta was recently in town to witness his son Jeron Artest play in the NBTC. He even got to coach his son’s team. It was Metta’s second visit to Manila. Metta came for a brief stop from China in 2017. Since Jeron’s mother is Filipina and he has lots of Filipino friends, Metta said he’s like a Filipino. He loves Filipino food and considers WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao a soulmate.
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