He’s ready to make the leap.
The 33-year reign of the Philippines as kings of Southeast Asian Games basketball ended at the hands of Indonesia in the 31st edition of the regional meet, which was staged in Vietnam last year. The historic defeat caused an uproar as Filipino hoops fans took the unexpected setback pretty hard. Since then, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) made it clear that reclaiming the Southeast Asian crown is a top priority.
Gilas Pilipinas is ramping up the preparation for its redemption mission now that the 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is just a month away. One player who’s eager to help the country’s cause is Meralco Bolts star Aaron Black.
The 26-year-old combo guard is ready to go all out as he fully understands what’s at stake.
"Coming off that type of a loss na matagal na hindi nangyayari, for us, it’s a revenge tour for all of us here,” Black told News5 during a practice session with the rest of the Gilas pool members on Monday.
Going into his first Gilas call-up for the biennial event, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle is focused on keeping himself locked in for the games this May.
"Gusto namin na pumasok sa practice to learn a lot, to work hard, to make sure na pagdating nga ng SEA Games we do our best."
The 2020 PBA Rookie of the Year could be a good addition to the Philippine contingent. He is on his way to entering his prime, averaging a career-best 14.6 points and 4.4 assists through this past season. More importantly, the hard work he displays on the court is unquestionable.
Black first gained international experience in the 2018 FIBA Asia U18 Championship, wherein Gilas placed fifth. He was also a member of the Philippine-based basketball squad Mighty Sports that won the 2019 William Jones Cup.
(With reports from Martie Bautista, News5)