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Despite disappointing Asiad campaign, Pinoy basketball leaders positive about future for Gilas
Gilas Pilipinas bowed out of medal contention in the Asian Games after their quarterfinals struggles, but Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manuel V. Pangilinan said he is still proud of what the national team has achieved so far.
In a series of tweets, Pangilinan thanked coach Chot Reyes and the Gilas members for their efforts and accomplishments starting from the FIBA Asia last year.
Chot, to each and all of you my deep personal gratitude for what Gilas has accomplished- in Manila last yr and in Spain and Korea this yr.
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) September 29, 2014
Gilas Pilipinas' silver medal finish in the 2013 FIBA Asia championships held in Manila catapulted the team to the world stage after 36 years of absence as they qualified for the FIBA World Cup in Spain.
The national team did not advance to the round of 16 in the World Cup, but brought home a victory against Senegal and thriller games against powerhouses Argentina, Croatia, Puerto Rico, and Greece.
In the Asiad, Gilas Pilipinas reached the quarterfinals after beating India and a close loss to Iran in the group stage, but fell to Qatar and Korea in the quarters to bow out of the playoffs.
The team had the chance to barge into the semifinals via the quotient system, but failed to win by the required 11-point margin against Kazakhstan.
We report our results in Korea "heads bowed in sadness but not in shame." That said we take pride in all that Gilas has reached thus far.
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) September 29, 2014
The team will still play one more classification match after losing to China on Monday, but they are now looking ahead to the FIBA Asia Championships next year to contest for the ticket to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
The Asian Games are now done. Time to look ahead; plan for FIBA Asia next yr in China, the winner qualifies for the 2016 Olympics
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) September 29, 2014
We must stay focused on our goal, and neither despair nor get deterred by the letdown in the Asian Games.
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) September 29, 2014
Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud expressed the need to conduct a critical analysis of the team's performance in Spain and in Korea with Pangilinan.
In a statement, Salud said that he would also hold consultations with PBA team owners to thank them for their support to the national team and ask for their opinion on the Gilas program.
"We've all been positively encouraged by the improvements in our performance, but I know many expect more in our future outings. And rightfully so," Salud said.
"This is how it should be: consolidate the gains and then chart a course so we exceed our current performance." — JST, GMA News
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