INSPIRATION should not be lacking.
Gilas Pilipinas plunges into action in the FIBA Asia Cup tomorrow, boosted by one constant motivation off the court—that is felt anywhere in the planet—the crowd’s support.
“I think the response is really awesome. We’ve had so many kids that come over, and we’ve had parents come over. Players are obviously incredibly popular and so, you know, it’s just a really good feel for us that we are affecting people, that people really are concerned about the way we play and how we do things,” National coach Tim Cone said after fans showered them with love in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. “So, it’s a wonderful thing and we feel it back home, and we feel like we’re at home right here as well, with all the response and good wishes that we have,” he added.
The Filipinos’ adornment for the Philippine five should come in handy in Gilas’ opening game in Group D against Chinese-Taipei in the Aug. 5 to 7 at the King Abdullah Sports City.
The Pinoy dribblers then face New Zealand on Aug. 7 and Iraq two days later in the cage extravaganza formerly known as the ABC Championships and FIBA Asia Championship.
Cognizant of the need to launch their bid on a high, Cone likes their chances—as long as they “walk the talk.”
“Score won’t matter. It’s really the quality of the play that we have. Then we’ll feel better about ourselves going in against Taiwan. We’ve done a lot of work. We’ve watched a lot of video,” Cone said. “So, we feel we’re prepared in that aspect. But actually, you know, walking the talk.
“We’re doing a lot of talking, but we’ve got to walk it, and that’s going to be a key for the night.”
Ace playmaker Chris Newsome shared Cone’s sentiments on how crucial the team’s “Sixth Man” backing will be—and the effect of showing up with all their hearts to their young fans.
“It’s a big moment for a lot of these kids that we’re interacting with. You can hear some of the kids, you know, saying like, ‘wow, this is the best day ever’. And, you know, I remember being in their position one time and for them to be able to meet their Gilas idols, I think that’s a big motivation for them,” Newsome said. “It allows them to continue to dream and continue to hope that they can eventually be in this position someday.
“That’s all we’re here to do, is to continue to inspire the next generation.”
Two near-misses in the last decade—in 2013 in Manila and 2015 in Changsa should also galvanize Cone’s charges to win it all this time—and end a 40-year title dry spell when the Philippines, then flying the banners of Northern Consolidated, last reigned in the tourney.
