Philippine Basketball- "Pagpapakitang Gilas"

The image here can tend to make one wonder what might have been.

At the same time, Smart Gilas' recent FIBA Asia campaign is a reminder of how far we've come.

Sure, we lost in a heartbreaker to South Korea, but then, one must not forget that the Smart Gilas program is a long term endeavor. For a pair of baby steps, finishing 4th or higher in a FIBA Asia Tournament for the first time since 1987 isn't half bad. Not since the days when the likes of Samboy Lim and Allan Caidic lorded over the hardwood have we seen the Philippines don so much confidence against its Asian counterparts.

So there was the 1990 loss to China, 90-74, in the Asian Games, the two missed Olsen Racela free throws early in the 2000s, and the Lee Sang Min buzzer beating three pointer which vaulted South Korea over the Philippines in Busan in 2002. Don't forget the 2004-2006 FIBA suspension which prevented Pinoys from vying for medals at both the Asian games and in FIBA Asia matches. We have indeed endured our share of pain in international competition, and such shortfalls have seemed to fuel Smart Gilas' desire to put the Philippines back on the basketball map.

Save for some missed charity shots, hot Korean Barbecue-sque shooting from the opposition, and some hurried attempts in the waining minutes of the Bronze Medal game, we could still have a lifeline to the 2012 Olympiad. Alas, it is not to be.

In one of the Ateneo De Manila post-season masses I attended some years back, Smart Communications Chairman, staunch patron of Philippines sports, and proudly Ateneo-made Manuel V. Pangilinan said, "You all know me. I don't like to lose." Nobody, and I mean nobody, from Mark Barroca to the dominant Marcus Douthit (who tallied 37 points and 10 or so rebounds in a game in the recent FIBA Asia Championships), on Gilas thinks differently from their leader. Nobody on that team fancies losing, but then, should defeat come, defeat shall be met with dignity, and to the victors, come our sincerest congratulations for a job well done.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas, you have represented the nation with class. We salute you.

The road does not, by any means, end here. In fact, our ascent to basketball chieftaincy may soon be a dream realized.

MC