Sections
Recent Articles
Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul
MANILA | NOVEMBER 16 | SM MALL OF ASIA ARENA
The world’s most iconic virtual singer, Hatsune Miku, is set to electrify audiences once again... read more
But what the win-loss record doesn’t indicate was the message that the Gilas sent – one that screamed “we are back” to a world that forgot what Pilipinas basketball was all about. With a healthy heaping of puso, Gilas made 2014 an unforgettable year, both for the triumphs and the tribulations. Read on as we take a look back at their journey this past year.
After 40 Years, the Philippines is Back on the World’s Biggest Basketball Stage
The seed was planted in 2013 after the Gilas secured their spot in the Fiba Basketball World Cup in Spain with a silver medal finish in the Fiba Asia Men’s Championship held in Manila. The fruit though, was reaped in September when the Philippines finally made its way back to the prestigious tournament after a 36-yaer absence. And though the tournament’s draw proved to unkind to the small but big-hearted Filipino team bannered by naturalized player Andray Blatche, slotting them into a group that included traditional powerhouse teams such as Argentina, Croatia, Greece, Puerto Rico and upstart Senegal, what transpired next left everyone in awe.
While everyone expected the Gilas to get bowled over in each and every game, the team apparently failed to get the memo as they fought tooth and nail before faltering against Croatia in overtime, 78-81, in their tournament-opening match. Against Greece, the Gilas once more proved their mettle before losing, 70-82. With the world starting to take notice, the Gilas put on a show against the third-ranked team in the world highlighted by an in-your-face slam by wingman Gabe Norwood on international veteran Luis Scola.
Alas, the breaks of the game did not go the way of the Gilas as they fell, 81-85. A day later, Puerto Rico eked past the Philippines, 73-77, a loss that shut the door on the country’s hopes of making it to the next round. With nothing to lose, the Gilas chose to pursuit history and succeeded in doing so as they beat Senegal in their last game, 81-79, to register their first win of the competition since July 12, 1974.
The Asian Games Debacle
With the Gilas at the peak of their powers, the stage was set for them to finally end a five-decade gold medal drought in the quadrennial Asian Games that was held in Incheon, South Korea. But the heights at which the Gilas flew meant only one thing, the long fall would hurt which was exactly what happened when the Philippines slumped to seventh place – their worst finish in tournament history.
The Gilas had a promising start as they beat India, 85-76, before getting edged by rival Iran, 63-68. Then, bad to worse as they got upset by Qatar, 68-77, in the quarterfinal round, a loss that seemingly unraveled the once-close knit team as head coach Chot Reyes threw long-time naturalized player Marcus Douthit under the bus for his apparent lack of fire. With Douthit being held out in their next game, the Gilas got beaten by the hosts South Korea, 95-97.
However, the worst of the worst came in their next game versus Kazahkstan when Douthit, on the orders of Reyes, tried to score on their own basket to try and force overtime to catch the 11-point spread needed to qualify for the next round. The basket was eventually disallowed by officials and with it came the ire of basketball fans, legends and officials alike leading to the resignation of Reyes shortly after the competition’s end.
Jonas Rey N. Panerio
Contributor - Sports & Lifestyle
vBulletin Message