ANGARA FILES RESO COMMENDING GILAS
FOR PUSO-FUELED FIBA PERFORMANCE

Senator Sonny Angara has filed a resolution commending the Gilas Pilipinas team for its valiant and commendable effort in representing the country in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

"The FIBA World Cup became a showcase to the world of the Gilas Pilipinas' unique brand of puso-fueled basketball. The first win of the national team in 40 long years brought honor and recognition to the Philippines as a basketball-loving country, capable of producing world-class sporting talent," said Angara, chair of the Senate committee on games, amusement and sports.

Gilas Pilipinas won in overtime against Senegal (81-79), but lost to Croatia (81-78), Greece (82-70), Argentina (85-81) and Puerto Rico (77-73) in the group phase of the FIBA World Cup held from August 30 to September 4.

"These results do not fully convey the team's heartfelt performance which has drawn the attention of journalists, game analysts and basketball fans all over the world, who have anecdotally expressed that the games could have easily swung differently to see the Philippines through to the second round.

"The Gilas Pilipinas indeed exemplified self-discipline and teamwork that captured the respect and esteem not only of Filipinos but of the other nations as well," Angara said.

The standing of the Philippine national team is expected to move up from its current 34th place with its outstanding performance in this year's FIBA World Cup.

The Philippines has endured a long journey back to the world stage, having won bronze during the 1954 FIBA World Cup and achieving fifth-place standing during the 1936 Summer Olympics.

The country's last victory in the FIBA World Cup was in 1974 against the Central African Republic in Puerto Rico. After which, the Philippines lost all its eight games when it hosted the tournament in 1978.

"The performance of Gilas Pilipinas is the culmination of particular efforts from various sectors and stakeholders, buoyed by the broad support from the Filipino people," the senator said.

Senate Resolution No. 900 pays tribute to the entire Gilas Pilipinas, headed by hardworking Coach Chot Reyes with team manager Aboy Castro, assisted by the team's equally able assistant coaches Joseph Vincent Reyes, Joseph Uichico, and Norman Black, with team members: Jimmy Alapag, LA Tenorio, Jeffrei Chan, Jayson Castro, Gary David, Ranidel De Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar and Marc Pingris, and to Manny V. Pangilinan for his vital contributions to the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas, and to Philippine basketball in general.

Angara was the author of the law granting Filipino citizenship to NBA player Andray Blatche, who has integrated well with the Gilas Pilipinas, and who emerged as top rebounder of the tournament with 13.8 rebounds per game and second top scorer with an average of 21.2 points per game.

"The grit, hardwork and heart of the Gilas Pilipinas stand as example that the Philippines can make a mark in international basketball. Such trailblazing performance should chart the path and trajectory for the next generation of Filipino basketball players," he said.