So near yet so far. Gilas Pilipinas nearly scored the first great upset of the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Showing virtually no signs of rookie-like jitters from being absent from the world stage for nearly 40 years, Gilas forced Croatia to a 71-all deadlock at the end of regulation after a close 37-31 halftime score, only to end up losing in overtime (yes, you've read it right: overtime) due to some questionable referee calls and non-calls that should've deservedly gone our way. One instance was what should've been a three-point foul on Jayson Castro with almost no time left in the overtime period. Croatia's lead was as large as around 15 points before Gilas' late second quarter run trimmed the deficit.
Nevertheless, it was a painless loss as the Philippines was able to send shockwaves across the whole basketball world by nearly slaying a tall, European basketball giant that is ranked 18 places above them in the FIBA world rankings, has a very proud basketball tradition, with at least two players with NBA connections in their lineup including American naturalized point guard Oliver Lafayette, and which came in second only to the legendary US Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics. While I was watching the game, I told myself that, even if they eventually lose this game, Gilas has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. They have already proven to the world that the Filipino, vertically-challenged and unheralded as a player as he is, is anything but a pushover and truly belongs to the league of the very best basketball players in the world.
Jeff Chan nearly became the hero of the game for the Philippines when he almost converted a triple from downtown right with no time left that could've won the game for Gilas in regulation. This could've probably triggered a rapturous celebration around the country and reduced some of the Croatians to tears for losing to an opponent who basketball experts believe they could beat by at least 30 big points at any given time and place and who would end up at 20th place at best by tournament's end. Looks like they spoke too soon, eh? They failed to take into consideration the heart that has made the Filipino resilient and successful. Had Gilas won that game, Andray Blatche would've probably won the best player of the game award as he proved to be just what the doctor recommended for the Philippine team. Either Jeff Chan, Marc Pingris, Jimmy Alapag or Gabe Norwood would've come in a close second to Blatche. And the basketball pundits' prediction turned out to be wrong as the Philippines' losing margin was not 30 points (or up), but 30 divided by 10!
No matter what happens the rest of the way, Gilas has already made the Filipino nation mighty proud. This early, Coach Chot Reyes has already proven that he is the right man for the job by performing his duties magnificently. of If they keep up or even raise a notch higher with playing the way they played against the Croats, I will not be shocked or surprised if they finally get to slay at least two of the other giants in their group, namely Greece, Argentina and Puerto Rico. As a famous Filipino saying goes, Bilog ang bola (The ball is round). Anything, even miracles, can happen, and Gilas has proven that belief makes miracles happen. The world should better watch out for Gilas as they've finally earned the respect of their next opponents and will scout Team Pilipinas even harder than before. Hold your head up high, Filipino! We nearly sent a supposed superpower basketball-playing nation to school. The Croatians may have won the match, but they have lost the war against us. Patuloy lang ang kapit, bayan! We can do it!
No comments:
Post a Comment