PBBM proud of gallant Gilas Pilipinas stand in FIBA Olympic qualifiers

FILE: SHOW OF SUPPORT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with Gilas Pilipinas players during their game against the Dominican Republic at the opening of the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on Friday (Aug. 25, 2023). (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed admiration for Gilas Pilipinas’ gallant showing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Latvia.

As 37th-ranked in the world, Gilas ended its inspired OQT run in the semifinals on Saturday, falling to Brazil 60-71 and falling short in its bid to end the Philippines’ over five-decade absence in Olympic basketballt.

Despite the loss, Marcos lauded the stellar performance of the national team.

“It was a great fight, Gilas Pilipinas! You have made us Filipinos proud and made history!” the President said in a social media post late Saturday night.

“We will always stand behind you in support. Bida ang bayaning manlalaro (The hero athlete is a star),” he added.

Gilas even led in the first half, 33-27, before the world No. 12 Brazil unleashed a strong 24-6 performance in the third quarter to grab the lead, 51-39.

The Filipinos, who missed 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto due to a bruised rib sustained during the previous match against Georgia, tried to crawl back  but the Brazilians repelled their attempts.

Brazil and Latvia will dispute the Olympic slot on Monday.

Gilas entered the seminal round as second seed in its group after defeating world No. 6 Latvia,  89-80, on July 4 and getting a superior quotient over Georgia.

Meanwhile, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez praised Gilas Pilipinas, coach Tim Cone and the entire coaching staff for demonstrating unparalleled determination, skill and heart on the international stage.

“The journey of Gilas Pilipinas in this tournament has been nothing short of inspirational. The victory against Latvia, a European team, was a historic moment for Philippine basketball and a testament to the team’s resilience and capability,” Romualdez said in a statement.

“These games have shown that with perseverance, strategic play and unity, we can hold our own against higher-ranked opponents,” he added. “Let us continue to support and celebrate our athletes, as they embody the spirit of Filipino resilience and excellence.” (With a report from Zaldy De Layola/PNA)