to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy… and to laugh along the way
In this campaign, Gilas Pilipinas carries not just a roster, but a renewed purpose: a blend of elite talent, with seasoned leadership, and a proud Philippine basketball tradition that is ready to compete on the world stage. The path will be demanding – against resource-rich programs, bigger and more physically-endowed talents and disciplined systems – but the triangle of depth, versatility, and unyielding national pride gives them a strong inspiration.
On 2 July 2018, in a match that was part of the 2019 Basketball World Cup Asian qualification process, the Philippines would be involved in a huge brawl against a heftier Australian national team. The game was held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, with Australia leading comfortably 89-53 with a minute left in the 3rd quarter, when the free-for-all ensued. Nine Gilas players and 4 Aussies were ejected as a result of the brawl.
Kai Sotto, that gentle giant who has found himself a special spot in the Philippine National Basketball Team named Gilas, has been improving his game lately. And reports have it that he is now in the radar of NBA scouts in search for tall durable talents who can bang bodies with the big bad behemoths in the NBA.
Indeed, the present Gilas men’s basketball program continues to make waves. They may not be as star-studded as the FIBA World Cup edition under coach Chot, but the team chemistry, the winners’ mindset, and the basic fundamentals in both defense and offense are there. What Coach Tim has done has been a minor miracle, building up the right environment to make this team what it is today.
Gilas may have faltered in its quest this year, but there are clear signs of improvement, with the team now no longer intimidated by the beef and bulk of the other teams.
Unbelievable!!! Team Philippines took arguably the most coveted and the most prestigious medal of all in the ongoing 19th Asian Games in China – the
Color My World 