ALLAN THE MAN

Filipino basketball fans already know that the national team would be an underdog when it plunges into action in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup on Saturday. 

Just how much the odds are stacked against Gilas Pilipinas became apparent this week after ESPN rated the team one of the worst heading into the competition.

Filipino boxer and now KIA Motors playing coach Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao wants to hire former NBA player Ron Artest – now known as Metta World Peace – as his team's import in the PBA.

Pacquiao, who was taken by KIA with the 11th pick in the recent PBA Draft, told Abac Cordero of the Philippine Star while in China that he is thinking of tabbing Artest as their reinforcement for future conferences.

Naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche may not be able to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) reportedly questioned his eligibility.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richie Garcia said the OCA has pointed out that Blatche, who became a naturalized Filipino only last June, has to serve a 3-year residency before he can represent the Philippines in the XVII Asiad.

The Philippine national youth basketball team warded off Kazakhstan to grab an 86-74 victory in the classification round of the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championships Wednesday at the Al-Gharafa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Paul Desiderio led the Batang Gilas charge with 19 points as the Filipinos have the chance to finish as high as fifth in the tournament after getting knocked out of the quarterfinals last Tuesday.

Gilas Pilipinas vs. the World tune-up tour. Philippines vs. Dominican Republic. Ranidel de Ocampo's Hard Fouls Against Dominican Republic.

The United States completed their preparations for the upcoming World Cup with a 101-71 mauling of Slovenia on Tuesday that gave them a perfect record in warm-up games ahead of the 24-nation event in Spain.

Missing some top NBA talent who declined invitations to play in the Aug.30-Sept.14 tournament, the Americans were still too strong for the Slovenians after emphatic wins over Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

WATCH USA VS SLOVENIA GAME HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO BELOW:

The Philippine national men’s basketball team gave Dominican Republic a tough battle, 86-79, on Monday in its final tune-up game before the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

Gilas Pilipinas competed with the 26th ranked Dominican Republic despite playing without star guard Jayson Castro, who continues to nurse an injury with under the a week remaining until the tournament.

WATCH GILAS PILIPINAS vs DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FULL GAME REPLAY VIDEO BELOW: