President Marcos Commends Gilas Pilipinas for Valiant Effort in FIBA Olympic Qualifiers
LATVIA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised Gilas Pilipinas for their commendable performance at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, despite their semifinal exit against Brazil with a score of 60-71, ending their quest to participate in Olympic basketball for the first time in over fifty years.
According to Philippines News Agency, he expressed pride in the national basketball team’s effort and achievement in the tournament. “It was a great fight, Gilas Pilipinas! You have made us Filipinos proud and made history!” Marcos stated. He further reassured the team of his ongoing support, declaring, “We will always stand behind you in support. Bida ang bayaning manlalaro (The hero athlete is a star).”
Gilas Pilipinas had a strong start in the game, leading Brazil 33-27 at halftime. However, Brazil, ranked 12th in the world, turned the game around with a decisive 24-6 run in the third quarter, ultimately taking control of the match. The Philippine team, missing key player 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto due to a rib injury sustained in a previous game against Georgia, struggled to regain momentum against the formidable Brazilian team.
Brazil will now face Latvia for the coveted Olympic slot. Gilas had previously secured its semifinal spot as the second seed in its group, having triumphed over Latvia, ranked 6th in the world, with a score of 89-80 on July 4 and achieving a superior quotient over Georgia.
In another match, Latvia defeated Cameroon 72-59 in front of a sold-out crowd, with Latvian player Rihards Lomazs contributing 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Latvia coach Luca Banchi praised his team’s extraordinary effort, acknowledging the physical and athletic challenges they faced. Meanwhile, Cameroon coach Alfred Aboya expressed pride in his team’s performance during the tournament, highlighting the bright future for Cameroon basketball.
In the Philippines, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also lauded Gilas Pilipinas, coach Tim Cone, and the coaching staff for their exceptional determination and skill displayed 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 stated in a release. He emphasized the importance of continued support and celebration of Filipino athletes, who “embody the spirit of Filipino resilience and excellence.”