The blueprint for success has been laid out nine years ago.
In the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas fought back like an underdog boxer who just won’t quit despite getting hit with so many devastating blows. Against powerhouse basketball nations such as Croatia, Argentina, and Puerto Rico, the Philippine Team was unfazed. In the end, Gilas finally got a win over Senegal.
Last night, after their heartbreaking loss to Jordan in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, coach Chot Reyes stated how he plans to replicate, or maybe surpass, Gilas Pilipinas’ spirited run nine years ago.
It all boils down to the preparation, according to the veteran tactician, who was also at the helm when the Philippines made a ton of noise in Spain.
“We played so well in 2014 because of the quality of preparation. We had been able to spend a full month with Andray Blatche as a team, as a unit. We flew to Spain early. We got a nice tune-up pocket tournament in France and then we got a nice pocket tournament in Guadalajara, in different areas in Spain.”
Reyes practically said the 2014 national team was forged by fire.
“We got massacred. Nabugbog tayo nang todo doon. But that’s when we felt that we were ready. Because when we're getting clobbered, we were fighting back,” Reyes admitted.
Right in the middle of that special squad that reintroduced the Philippines to the basketball world, the longtime Gilas mentor knows exactly what to do to give his current crew a chance to be successful in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in August.
“So, we want to replicate, if not improve on that type of preparation. And hopefully, we can come in and play at that level,” Reyes said.