Heartfelt cheers from Gilas Pilipinas’ veteran Jimmy Alapag and NBA star Jordan Clarkson were given after the national team’s resounding upset of world no. 6 Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2024.
In the quiet hours of midnight, Filipino basketball fans stood united in anticipation of Gilas Pilipinas facing off against powerhouse Latvia in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
With hearts pounding and hopes high, we watched Gilas Pilipinas defy expectations and secure their historic win.
After 64 years of heartbreak and determination, Gilas Pilipinas has finally shattered the barrier, ending the decades-long drought against European teams.
Filipino hearts swelled with pride as our national team achieved a momentous win in Philippine basketball history.
Former Gilas captain Jimmy Alapag and Filipino-American NBA superstar Jordan Clarkson, likewise, joined in expressing their elation for the Gilas Pilipinas.
In his Instagram story, Alapag pays tribute to the clutch performance of Gilas’ main man, Justin Brownlee.
“@magicbrownlee32 doing what he does best. Congrats, Gilas!” he posted.
[Instagram story | @jalapag3]
The PBA icon is now nurturing the talents of NBA players as the Sacramento Kings’ player development coach.
Meanwhile, Utah Jazz’ Jordan Clarkson, who played a crucial role in the Gilas Pilipinas’ conquest in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, has also joined the celebration of the team’s memorable victory.
“letsss goooo,” he wrote on X, sharing the final score of Gilas against Latvia.
[X | @JordanClarksons]
Gilas Pilipinas’ Chris Ross, on the other hand, refuses to settle for complacency as his drive to greatness continues to burn bright.
“More work [needs] to be done,” he wrote.
He also commended the stellar performance of Noypi Brownlee.
[Instagram story | @chrissmross6]
Former PBA commissioner Noli Eala is also filled with immense pride and admiration for the Gilas Pilipinas.
“That starting 5 of Coach Tim was solid. Big to big passing of JMF and Kai, defense of Newsome and how clutch Dwight is. And of course the brilliance of the all-around game of JB. Our bench did their job. A perfect game. Debunked so many myths. Still cant overcome the feeling,” he wrote on X.
[X | @NoliEala]
In every corner of the world, the ‘Puso’ spirit endures!
With momentum on their side, the Gilas Pilipinas face a tall order against Georgia for a chance to qualify for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament semifinals at 8:30 p.m. LIVE on One Sports and the Pilipinas LIVE app.