Underdog Gilas will prove doubters wrong–Palace

By: Nestor Corrales - 10 years ago

The celebration of the Gilas Pilipinas ‘s victory over Korea ,at the MOA Arena . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine government remains confident that despite being ranked as among the lightweights in the Fiba Basketball World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas will prove those who underestimate it wrong.

Earlier this week, Gilas Pilipinas was ranked 23rd out of the 24 nations competing in the World Cup by the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN).

“Naipakita naman ho ng ating koponan ‘yung kanilang gilas, at ‘yung puso po nila importantly. And I know that they will prove that ranking wrong,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on radio.

(Our team has shown their gallantry and heart, more importantly. And I know that they will prove that ranking wrong.)

Valte assured the Gilas Pilipinas that “the basketball-loving Filipinos” would be on their side despite being an underdog.

“Goodluck to our Gilas players. Even if you are already in Madrid, know that all the basketball-loving Filipinos are in your corner and are cheering for you with all our hearts,” she said.

Gilas Pilipinas will have their first game against Croatia Saturday evening (Manila time).

The team will take on Greece on September 1, Argentina also on September 1, Puerto Rico on September 3, and Senegal on September 4 for the preliminary round of the tournament.