Something special happened in Manila.
The FIBA World Cup has yet to crown its new champion, but executive director David Crocker has already heaped praises on how the hosting is a success.
From getting the approval of players and visiting teams, to turnout of fans, Crocker has nothing but good words.
Philippines set the attendance record when 38,115 fans flocked the Philippine Arena during Gilas Pilipinas' opening day match against the Dominican Republic. But another Gilas moment topped that for the FIBA official.
According to Crocker, the Philippines' game against China last Saturday is something he's never experienced before.
"The noise level playing China, was something I've never experienced ever. Me and my colleagues with years of international basketball, when we got back to the hotel, wow, okay that was something of a new level for them as well," Crocked told One News' The Game.
That night, Pinoy fans inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum had plenty of reasons to explode in delight as they witness a supernova of performance from Jordan Clarkson. The Utah Jazz guard carried Pilipinas to its first win in the tournament behind a 34-point masterclass and a third-quarter invincible run hitting five straight three-pointers.
(GM)