| |
|
It's People's Triumph, after all
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 08 Aug 2018
IT?S official: Our national basketball team to this year?s Asian Games will be known as the Gilas National Team.
This was relayed yesterday by Ed Picson, spokesman of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Picson also referred to the statement of POC president Ricky Vargas in a previous press conference announcing the decision of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to rejoin the Asian Games basketball tournament.
Picson earlier said there may be no turning back, after a letter of withdrawal had been sent to Indonesia.
**
In his statement, Vargas said they were left with no choice but bow to the resonating public clamor for the Philippines to send a team to the Asian Games slated in Indonesia Aug. 18-Sept. 2.
A national team has been formed out of the core of the Rain or Shine outfit, which the tried and tested Yeng Guiao had led to two PBA championships before his move to NLEX.
The team, with assorted reinforcements, including the 45-year-old Asi Taulava, Paul Lee and Christian Standhardinger, has started twice-a-day workouts. It was initially bracketed with UAE, Iran and Syria.
**
Guiao however broke the news before practice at the Meralco Gym on Monday about a reported change in the bracketing that has put the Philippines in a tougher group that include powerhouses China and Kazakhstan.
SBP president Al Panlilio, among those who worked for the Philippine return to the Asiad, has called for strong support and prayers for the Gilas National Team.
As it would turn out, there was no single factor or figure that caused the happy twist. It was the overwhelming cry of the basketball-loving public.
**
?This is all about Filipino Pride and nothing unites Filipinos of every social class than what happens on the basketball court,? Special Assistant to the Presidential Bong Co told the AFP.
Go, a three-point shooting medalist, has been singled out as a main force behind the return of the Philippines team to the Asian Games tournament.
He has refused to take credit, but insisted the hastily formed national squad will keep trying to do the best.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Doors open for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Officially Join Inaugural Pickle Yard Conference League
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026ADAMES AND AMMO CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN ORLANDO ON MARCH 21
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Filipino Alexis Emil Maribao shocks Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto in the Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess opener
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Team USA Notches Perfect Day to Open 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026San Diego’S Boxing Stars Julius Ballo and Jonny Mansour to Headline the Inaugural Edition of Sd Fight Night on April 18, 2026, at Frontwave Arena
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Fighting for NBA Americas title
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Integrated Sports to distribute ‘The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One PPV’ on Sunday, March 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026125 climbers reach Mt. Apo in Sta. Cruz
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Opening Round Bouts Set for Team USA at 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Mon, 23 Feb 2026Jean Henri Lhuillier Expresses Pride as Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Secure Wild Card Entry to WBSC World Cup
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 23 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
