Toyota Four Nations Cup 2015: Dates, Schedule, Nations and Location
Basketball fans hungry for international competition don’t have to wait until the 2016 Olympics to see some of the world’s teams in action.
The 2015 Toyota Four Nations Cup pits national squads from the Netherlands, Philippines, Iceland and Estonia in a tuneup tournament with the Olympic Games on the horizon. Estonia is the host country, but the Philippines boasts a particularly strong roster and should impress in its contests.
The schedule found below is courtesy of the Estonian Basketball Association’s website.
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| Aug. 20 | 5:30 p.m. | Netherlands vs. Philippines | Saku Suurhall Arena in Tallinn, Estonia |
| Aug. 20 | 8 p.m. | Estonia vs. Iceland | Saku Suurhall Arena in Tallinn, Estonia |
| Aug. 21 | 5:30 p.m. | Iceland vs. Netherlands | Saku Suurhall Arena in Tallinn, Estonia |
| Aug. 21 | 8 p.m. | Philippines vs. Estonia | Saku Suurhall Arena in Tallinn, Estonia |
| Aug. 22 | 5:30 p.m. | Iceland vs. Philippines | Saku Suurhall Arena in Tallinn, Estonia |
| Aug. 22 | 8 p.m. | Estonia vs. Netherlands | Saku Suurhall Arena in Tallinn, Estonia |
Team to Watch: Philippines
Many international basketball fans watched the Philippines national team struggle at the 2014 FIBA World Cup on the way to a 1-4 record. While the final tally was disappointing, three of the defeats came by four points or less, including an impressive showing during an 85-81 loss against a strong Argentina squad.
The Philippines proved it can play with some of the best international competition even in defeat during that event, and a strong showing in Estonia would help bolster its confidence moving forward into the FIBA Asia men's championship in China next month and the eventual 2016 Olympics competition.
Former NBA player Andray Blatche anchored the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup and posted 21.2 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. No player in the entire event that was loaded with current NBA stars averaged more boards a night, and only Jose Barea scored more points a night.
Blatche is a dominant force during international competition at 6’11” and 260 pounds because he overpowers plenty of opponents on the block and still boasts enough athleticism at 28 years old to challenge shots at the rim and control the glass on both ends.
He last played in the NBA during the 2013-14 season for the Brooklyn Nets and averaged 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Given the numbers he puts up for the Philippines national team and his ability to score from the blocks and mid-range, it is surprising that he is not on an NBA roster.
Blatche will be the best player on the court at the Toyota Four Nations Cup if he actually plays. The problem is he is still recovering from an inflamed prostate, although he is practicing with the team.
Nelson Beltran of the Philippine Star pointed out that Blatche is far from the only health concern for the Philippines team. Ranidel de Ocampo (pulled hamstring), Dondon Hontiveros (strained calf) and Terrence Romeo (flu) are all question marks as the team builds toward the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.
At least veteran leader Jimmy Alapag will be on the floor.
Alapag isn't as recognizable of a name to American fans as Blatche, but the point guard is a former Philippine Basketball Association MVP thanks to his ability to control the flow of the game with the dribble, create opportunities for himself and teammates when he slashes into the lane and drill critical three-pointers when his team needs an offensive lift.
Alapag is the most experienced player on the roster at 37 years old, and he discussed what this tournament means, per Richard Dy of the Philippine Star:
"This (Estonia) trip is a big step forward for our team. It will give us an opportunity to build not only what we’ve been doing the last two weeks, but continue progressing our chemistry and camaraderie.
Trips away are always a big help.
We’re going to be exposed for the first time, as a team to a pretty tough competition. And we need that.
It will give us a great gauge for where we are at this point with roughly five weeks before the FIBA Asia.
"
Given his veteran status, Alapag has a clear grasp of what this tournament represents for his team. The Philippines national squad is attempting to establish momentum before the FIBA Asia Championship, especially since it took home a silver medal in the 2013 edition with a gold-medal game loss to Iran.
The Toyota Four Nations Cup is largely a tuneup opportunity, but it will help the Philippines gauge its overall health and ability to play with each other at less than 100 percent against international competition. Whether Blatche and the rest of the team are fully healthy will determine how the Philippines fares, but a solid showing with marquee tournaments approaching is the ultimate goal.
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