It was an intense and unblinking scrutiny for the SEAG-bound Gilas to see their big brother’s first loss in the tournament in FIBA Asia Cup 2017 in Beirut, Lebanon on Thursday (Manila time) against South Korea, 118-86.
Gilas Pilipinas is expected to be all set to make their revenge in this year’s 29th Southeast Asian Games this coming August 19-30 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Yung experience na ‘to, kailangang lang namin maisapuso. Kailangan namin ibawi yung mga kuya namin. That should be our motivation,” said Ravena.
“Gusto lang namin ipagtanggol yung mga kuya namin. Gusto namin pagbalik namin sa Pinas, masaya tayong lahat,” Amer added.
This stirred the SEAG-bound national’s motivation with their intention to keep hold of the basketball throne in this year’s SEA Games. Their first game will take place against Thailand in its SEAG opener on Sunday, August 20.
“Ready na yung team kahit yung dalawa wala pa dito. Alam na namin yung mga role namin sa team. Parang ito lang kasi yung core ng team na dinala namin 2 years ago. I think magiging maganda yung campaign namin sa SEA Games,” Rosario explained.
Moreover, Coach Jong Uichico, mentor of the Gilas team is aware of the pressure that there should be no room for error when it comes to SEA Games.
Not just because of the loss of the FIBA Asia Cup team but also for the unparalleled record of 18th gold medal for the team all among the SEAG nations with only lone loss in against Malaysia way back in 1989.
“We know that the pressure is on us. We’re going to the SEAG knowing there’s no room for mistakes. We will do our best to bring pride to our country. We will try our very best to bring home the gold,” he said.
Meanwhile, it’s a union of sorts for Philippine basketball with the personal presence of PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa and some of the PBA Governors in the thanksgiving and send off Gilas event. | (Tina Joyce Laceda – PTV)