GILAS EYES PAYBACK TIME AT WUHAN
Gilas Pilipinas will be out for revenge and redemption as it takes on Chinese Taipei to start its campaign in the fifth FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China on Saturday afternoon.
For the Nationals’ shocking loss to the Taiwanese during the group plays in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena rankles to this day.
Gunners Lin Chih-chieh, Lu Cheng-ju and Tien Lei exploded for 60 points together as the Taiwanese stunned the Filipinos, 84-79, then.
Gilas Pilipinas recovered and went on to nail its ambition to qualify for the 2014 World Cup although the Nationals didn’t get to avenge the loss to the Taiwanese.
After almost a year of waiting, the Nationals have that opportunity to redeem themselves versus the Taiwanese over in Wuhan.
Meanwhile, the original members of Gilas Pilipinas made the country’s return stint in the FIBA World Cup possible and, naturally, they want to enjoy that honor of playing with the world’s best in Spain in August.
“We’re not satisfied with just qualifying for the Worlds. We want to be there to play,” said LA Tenorio.
“We (the original Gilas players) have talked about it. As much as possible, we want the same team to play in the Worlds. We believe it’s fair for us,” Tenorio also said.
The 2012 Jones Cup MVP, however, stressed they would respect whatever decision coach Chot Reyes makes.
“It’s his call really. If it’s fair for us to make it there, it’s also fair for coach Chot to be ready for everything that may happen. You’ll never know there would be injuries,” Tenorio said.
“We also know that anyone is capable of playing. And again it’s his decision. He’s thinking not just of what’s good for the team but for the country,” Tenorio added.
Added to the original 12 to vie for tour of duty in the World Cup and in the succeeding Asian Games are 13th man Beau Belga, the returning Jared Dillinger and new pool additions NBA player Andray Blatche, Jay Washington and Paul Lee.
Is he challenged by Lee, Tenorio said: “No I’m not.”
“I have been with Gilas for years now. I don’t think I still have something to prove. Di ko na siguro kailangan magpasikat pa,” Tenorio pointed out.
Then again, Tenorio said they would understand and respect the decision of their coach.
“We’ve talked about things. We’re here as part of the pool. We’re very positive on everything,” Tenorio said. (SB)
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