Every Pinoy basketball fan must be in deep rage right now.
Gilas allowed itselt to be pitifully embarassed by import-laden Cambodia, 68-79 in their group encounter in what SBP chair emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan described as a “disgraceful loss.”
Excuses of any kind are not acceptable even as Chot Reyes and his coaching staff are groping for just a valid one.
Gilas is still in the running for the cross over semis. The Pinoys only need to get over Singapore today Saturday to complete the semifinal cast which is expected to include Thailand and defending titleholder Indonesia.
The whole country watched in great dismay the inferior performance of Gilas, led by the much heralded naturalized Pinoy Justin Brownlee and PBA pros composed of Christian Standhardinger, CJ Perez, Mario Lassiter, Chris Ross, Arvin Tolentino, Chris Newsome, Brandon Ganuelas Rosser and UAAP players Mason Amos and Jerome Lastimosa.
Gilas was totally outplayed the rest of the way, trailed by as many as 19-points at one time, which caught everybody – in the ASEAN circle – in disbelief.
Its integrity badly scarred and its pride badly wounded, the “Redemtpion Team” may find it difficult to overcome the traumatic setback in the hands of an opposing country that is more known for its passion for football than basketball.
When something shameful like this happens in other sports association of other countries, officials voluntarily tender their resignations.
Of course, even if Gilas eventually nails down its objective of regaining the crown it lost to Indonesia last year in Hanoi, it cannot erase the stigma wrought by that downfall against Cambodia.
Before we even condemn and crucify Reyes, let us patiently wait for developments within the SBP.
The top guys were silent for days after the setback to the Indons in the 2022 SEAG. They probably want the din and dust of the embarrassing defeat die down before muttering a sentence of apology.
Reyes did now want to bow his head in humility then. He is a proud man and wants Pinoys to accept that loss as “one of those things”.
But you see, a man of principles is made of a different stock.
The proverbs say in chapter 18 verses 1 and 2: “An unfriemndly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.”
Gilas played noticeably without chemistry, teamwork and cohesiveness.
That’s because they did not have adequate time to prepare and train as one big family. Attendance to the practices was not complete.
How then do you expect these nationals to successfully bring back home the bacon?
I reckon the loss to Cambodia is ominous enough to tell us that Indonesia is far better prepared now than it was last year in Hanoi. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahop.com.) GOD BLESS THE [PHILIPPINES!
