No chance to directly connect to the Olympics! Coach Jorjevic: If you're not focused enough, you can't defend your opponent. China's men's basketball team lost to the Philippines
On the 2nd, the Chinese men's basketball team unfortunately ended their World Cup journey by losing 75-96 to the host country, the Philippines, in the 17th -32nd qualifying round of the 2023 Basketball World Cup. After the game, the head coach of the Chinese team, Djorgevic, stated that the team's discipline and focus were insufficient, and he hoped that young players could learn from the experience of the competition.
In this game, the Chinese team collapsed in the third quarter. Philippine team leader Clarkson hit three pointers consecutively at the end of this section, instantly widening the gap, and the Chinese team failed to regain their offensive and defensive rhythm afterwards. When it comes to the team's loss in the third quarter, Djorgevic said that the team lacked focus, made consecutive mistakes, and hit the opponent's chest.
"We were not focused enough in the third quarter, and our tactics were not thoroughly implemented. The opponent made good use of this," Jorjevich said. "Once we were not focused enough, we couldn't defend against the opponent."
In this game, Clarkson scored the highest 34 points of the entire game, which is also his highest single point in this World Cup. Jorjevich said that Clarkson's performance and home advantage have greatly enhanced the strength of this Philippine team.
"Clarkson is definitely the leader of this Philippine team, and his presence and the cheers of the home fans have given the Philippine team a huge advantage," said Jorjevich.
Qiao Shuai frankly stated that this World Cup trip has exposed the problem of young players being immature and lacking experience, and hopes that they can summarize their experiences and lessons.
"Many players in the team are participating in a game of this level for the first time, and I think they will realize how intense the game can be and how high the requirements for players are," said Jorjevic. "They need to learn to stay clear headed at any moment of the game."
After finishing their World Cup journey, the Chinese men's basketball team will now participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games. Djorgevic stated that he will continue to coach the Chinese team in the Asian Games.
"We will take a short break and continue to play. Depending on the injury situation, there may be new players joining this national team," added Jorjevic.
In a qualifying match that ended earlier, the Japanese team defeated Cape Verde 80-71 and ranked first in Group O with 3 wins and 2 losses, becoming the only Asian team to make it to the Paris Olympics.