By Randy Caluag
It was a win Gilas Pilipinas and the millions of Filipinos badly wanted. But nobody probably wanted it more than Gilas coach Chot Reyes, who has been the subject of harsh criticisms by the Filipino basketball fans after four successive losses.
With nothing but pride on the line, the Philippines chopped mighty China into pieces for a rare, lopsided 96-75 win to wrap up its FIBA World Cup campaign on a high note.
Reyes said it was a “gift,” or better yet, a peace offering for Filipino basketball fans.
“For sure, we didn’t want our hosting to end without gifting the Filipino people with a victory. Look at them, it’s stormy outside. We’re just basically playing for nothing, but they all came out (to support us). So, we just owe this to the Filipino people,” said Reyes right after the game and a few minutes before announcing his resignation as national coach.
After what looked like an encouraging start, losing via close shave, 87-81 to the Dominican Republic, Gilas suffered two more heart-breaking losses to Angola (80-70) and Italy (90-83) in the group stage, before bowing to South Sudan, 87-68, and saying goodbye to the Paris Olympics via the World Cup route.
Reyes could still see the positive results after those string of misfortunes.
“In the games we lost, we were in them. In the last game against South Sudan, we came back to within 4. It just ballooned in the end, we were in those games. I guess given the opportunity to play a team in our group, in the Asian group, then I think the good games that we played previously, showed in this final game.”
And at this final moment, Reyes said there were no structured plans anymore.
“We just told the players to come out and play, do what they do best, and that is to hoop and play ball. In fact, we had no Xs and Os on our board, we just had the words ‘Dig Deep’ on our board today. That’s what they did.”
The Gilas 12, with Jamie Malonzo on the sideline in civilian clothes following an injury in practice, set onto the court like kids unleashed to have fun and sing in the rain.
True enough, it was the moment the Gilas stalwarts had been waiting for as they played with fewer limitations and inhibitions, but with all their might and with all their hearts to finally pick up the win that put them back into the loving arms of this basketball-crazy nation.
Dwight Ramos was consistent as ever, finishing with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.
Kai Sotto came out of his shell and unleashed a monster game reflective of his performances in Japan and Australian leagues. He contributed 12 points and 4 rebounds, while sealing the rim and preventing a lot of inside incursions.
Rhenz Abando displayed his all-around skills both in offense and defense, finishing with 14 markers and 5 rebounds.
Veteran JuneMar Fajardo performed like it was his last, challenging the Chinese bigs underneath for 9 points and 4 rebounds, and could have done more damage if not for early foul trouble.
And Jordan Clarkson showed the stuff NBA stars are made of–top-scoring with 34 points–and was solely responsible for tearing the game apart for Gilas with four successive triples in the third quarter.
“We just came out there to win, play and have fun. Coming out here, just showing our heart, our respect, and our love for our country. The fans came out here to support us again. They didn’t give up on us and we didn’t give up on them,” Clarkson said.
“Puso” (love) is in the air, once again.
