'More enjoyable than Team USA': NBA reporters wish Gilas Pilipinas advanced to next round

Published September 5, 2014 12:16am

Gilas Pilipinas ended its campaign in the FIBA Basketball World Cup with a historic overtime win against Senegal, 81-79, following a string of close losses earlier in the group stage.

The team's fighting heart, however, has drawn admiration not only from Filipinos, but from basketball fans all over the world.

Even NBA writer Couper Moorhead could not help but wish the squad had advanced after seeing their gallant stand against world no. 3 Argentina, European powerhouses Greece and Croatia, and Puerto Rico.

Happy to see the Philippines get a win after all the close games. Wish they advanced. They've been more enjoyable than Team USA so far.

— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) September 4, 2014

Another NBA journalist, Mike Prada, earlier tweeted to give the Philippines a wild card into the round of 16 because of the team's enjoyable games.

Can we give the Philippines a wild card into the round of 16?

— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) September 1, 2014

ESPN anchor Mark Jones, who earlier said that the Philippine team played with more heart than anyone else in the competition, also celebrated the Gilas victory.

Justice ! After so many close calls Philippines wins defeating Senegal 81-79 in OT. #PUSO

— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) September 4, 2014

— Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News

Tags: gilaspilipinas, 2014fibaworldcup